Cal Everett has just released his first solo record, "Weight Of Early Promise." I didn't know who Cal Everett was, but he was apparently part of the 80's band 4 Out Of 5 Doctors, whose name I vaguely remember seeing in record stores 40 years ago. As with most power pop releases, names like McCartney and Emitt Rhodes get tossed around, and while I do hear more than a little of both on this record, what I am mostly hearing is Billy Joel, and that is not a complaint.
"Weight Of Early Promise" clocks in at almost 60 minutes, and that is usually a turnoff for me. But as the record started to unfold, I didn't want it to end. This is one of the best records I've heard this year.
(h/t Steve Simels' Power Pop)
Shame, not on iTunes
ReplyDeleteIt's on Apple Music. Is that not iTunes?
Deletehttps://music.apple.com/us/album/the-weight-of-early-promise/1889796843
Huh. Instead of entering his name on the iTunes store, I tried the album title and success! Thanks Sal.
DeleteI'm glad to hear of a fellow soul buying songs on iTunes! I process all my digital music thru iTunes and play my iPod e'ry day.
Deleteon spotify and tidal as well.
ReplyDeleteI can't do the Billy Joel comparison since I've never listened to him, but he sounds just like Emitt to these ears. I really like the simple production.
ReplyDeleteRandy
This is good stuff, thanks Sal
ReplyDeleteI found this as well yesterday on Steve's page. It's wonderful. I've listened to it twice. I hear all eras of Billy Joel's career (not a bad thing), Rhodes and Macca throughout, yet this is original and wonderful. Now it needs a vinyl release.
ReplyDeleteSo far -- my favorite album of the year (other than it being a bit long)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to checking it out!
ReplyDeleteOn first listen, this is a wonderful album. Great songs, production and arrangements. Also, being of a certain age, the lyrics resonated. I agree that the Billie Joel is the main comparison as well as Paul and Emitt Rhodes. Also hear a touch of Jellyfish. Definitely in the Top 10 for the year so far. Hope it becomes available on vinyl.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I want to hear the rest!
ReplyDeleteI like "Help Is On The Way" - yeah!
ReplyDeleteThis is insanely good, track after track. Holy smokes!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed every song! Very Billy Joelish, in a good way.
ReplyDelete