MOLLYCODDLE
SMP Records
The Noise CD Review
Vocals have always been a high priority for me; the fact is that
a lot of local bands have lead singers that would make Bob Dylan
cringe. This is not the case on Mollycoddle's fantastic new release.
Talented, smart, and atmospheric are words that come to mind in
describing Eric Schmider and company's first full-length entitled,
Beautiful Californian Failure.
Mollycoddle makes it cool to know how to play your instrument again.
This was the rage in the '70s, but quickly went out when bands like
Yes, ELP, and the rest of the prog rockers required a Berklee degree
to simply listen. Mollycoddle recalls the days of Joe Jackson, Elvis
Costello, T-Rex and, may I dare say, The Beatles. This is true in
the sense that the selections motivate me into imagining songs that
the Fab Four may have written had they stayed together.
Another aspect I love about this record is the instrumental variety.
Trumpet, saxaphone, clarinet, cello, and vibes all make appearances.
What's more, the guest crew can really play! Lyrically, the themes
range from love had, love lost, love sucks and everything in between,
including masturbation.
My only critique is the inclusion of the cover of T-Rex's "Cosmic
Dancer." It's a good song and Russell Chudnofsky plays a solo
that would make Marc Bolan jealous. However, the performance here
offers little difference from the Electric Warrior original. With
a wealth of great original titles ranging from the danceable "Maintain
the Tension" the introspective "Love Is" and the
jazz loungy "Physics," "Cosmic Dancer" may have
ended upon on the cutting board had Beautiful Californian Failure
been a T-Rex record. (Mike Diplomat)
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