Sleepyhead
The Brothers Creeggan
“You Will Be Adored,” melancholy love song and opening track of the Brothers Creeggan’s newest album Sleepyhead, sets the dreamy mood for the band’s fourth album.
Brothers Jim and Andy Creeggan, best known as the current bassist (Jim) and former percussionist (Andy) for the Canadian pop band Barenaked Ladies, are joined on the CD by drummer Ian McLauchlan.
A rich country twang cascades from the album’s second song “Anna on the Moon,” with special guest appearances by fellow Barenaked Ladie and guitarist Ed Robertson and soulful Sarah Harmer singing backup vocals.
“Ali Baba’s” is a joyful track that explores the band’s relationship with a Toronto-area falafel restaurant.
Jim explains the track in a recent press release, “I wrote ‘Ali Baba’s’ before Sept. 11, and now, when issues in the Arab world are so weighted, the simple celebration of what this family brings to my neighborhood is that much more valuable.”
The shining track on the album is the exuberant “Rocking Chair,” which will cause even sedate listeners to sing and dance along.
The four final tracks slow it down a bit and manage to bring out the brothers’ long-practiced harmony and finely tuned musicianship.
Sleepyhead proves the Brothers Creeggan are finally comfortable with their own style – a rockin’ implosion of jazz, rock, pop, country, folk and good old fashioned fun.
Room for Squares
John Mayer
Dave Matthews, or a not-yet-distinctive voice?
John Mayer is the newest thing with a purpose to hit the pop music scene. Although his debut CD Room for Squares hit stores last fall, Mayer is just now getting the attention he deserves.
The CD is a clever combination of jazz and blues, with just enough punch. Witty lyrics meshed with foot tappin’ jazz makes the CD the next potential ‘classic’ album.
Mayer focuses and reflects on the nostalgia within him. His lyrics “wish my life was more like 1983,” express the angst and optimism of youth.
The album has the potential for radio time, yet it still takes risks. Covering Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary,” Mayer could screw things up. Yet by adding a new flavor, he creates an awesome original sound.
Sadly, Mayer couldn’t keep his fresh flare for the entire album. “Great Indoors” is too reminiscent of Matthews and leaves the listener wondering if Mayer is a cover or a copy.
Hopefully, he will soon find his own distinctive voice and continue his great style and lyrical know-how.
Mayer is a charismatic musician with bonus good looks. From poets scratching down his lyrics to Total Request Live teenagers praising him, Mayer has fans of varying degrees. “No Such Thing” has started the buzz to a new and upcoming career.
Room for Squares proves Mayer is sure to be around for awhile!
