As I’d said previously, when this album and signing was announced, if it wasn’t obvious that The Anderson Council has been one of New Jersey’s best kept secrets, well now, it won’t be… This band, who has been around since 1999 with their deliciously crisp modern take on classic mid-’60’s psychedelic pop and late ’70’s Mod has now signed to Marty Scott’s legendary Jem Records label and Assorted Colours is the first fruit of this new partnership. It’s a “primer” of several previously released tracks from their first three albums plus some new tracks for good measure. The new tracks have been produced by another New Jersey neo-beat-legend, Kurt Reil of The Grip Weeds and together, they’ve fashioned this (incredibly) fine collection of songs.
Meaty and bouncy, a song like “Sitting On A Cloud” is ripe with 12-string Rickenbackers, harmonies, perfect pop structure and sends you into an immediate nostalgia trip of how/when bands knew how to craft songs – and thankfully, that’s what The Anderson Council are here to do. “Girl On The Northern Line” and “Pinkerton’s Assorted Colours” immediately bring back warm memories of The Creation, The Who and The Jam (!). If this wasn’t a FACT, I wouldn’t say it with such ease, because The Who and The Jam are sacred to me but it is, indeed, FACT. And, if I may take a liberty, “…Northern Line” also reminds me of a great, but completely forgotten band, Time U.K. (which was Rick Buckler’s post-Jam group). And it has to be said, Peter Horvath’s vocals fit these songs and their moods perfectly. “Pinkerton’s…” is like a cross between The Jam’s “See Saw” and The Vapors’ “Jimmie Jones” and gives you shivers; “Friday’s Girl” has a hypnotically crisp riff and a throttle that screams early Smithereens and “Never Stop Being ’67” is the quintessential 1966 tribute with the two most oft-used/loved drum and bass patterns – the rhythm of “Tomorrow Never Knows” and “Taxman”. There isn’t a moment on this album that doesn’t shimmer with… well, assorted colors. And you don’t need any chemicals to trip out on this – the music does it all.
The Council have been heard innumerable times on “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” channel on XM/Sirius and are always playing live in the New Jersey area. So be on the lookout for a live meeting with The Anderson Council in your area soon… And run to your nearest record store (or computer to order) and get this album NOW!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Assorted Colours will be released on Friday, July 15th, 2016
http://www.theandersoncouncil.org/
Comments