Remember – if you send it, it will get reviewed. That’s the City Slang promise. It doesn’t matter what genre the music is – as long as it has a Metro Detroit connection, it’ll get in. Preferably, we’d like to concentrate on new releases but, while we’re getting warmed up here, feel free to send back catalog material too. Send CDs, vinyl, cassettes, demos and 8-tracks to Brett Callwood, City Slang, Metro Times, 733, St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 46226. Email MP3s and streaming links to [email protected].
Johnny Headband's Who Cooks For You is a fantastic album, a heady mix of anthemic pop rock and disco. which is perhaps unsurprising when considering that in its ranks is Keith Thompson from the Electric Six. These guys veer away from quirky cool though, in favor of diving headfirst into synthy, electronica-flavored pop tunes with mainstream hit potential. If these guys aren't playing festivals all summer, some organizers needs to be tarred and feathered.
Lettercamp's new single is "Buy In", which this writer first heard (I believe) at this year's Blowout. It's classic Lettercamp too, with a slow tease of a build up leading to a catchy, awesome chorus - one of those Wittman moments that gives you goosebumps. Also, incidentally, Lettercamp and Johnny Headband sound great played one after the other.
Jill Jack has a new album out, called Sunflower Girl (Up Hill), and anybody familiar with her brand of emotive, Americana-tinged (only tinged, mind) singer/songwriter tune-age will be delighted with what’s on offer here. Jack is nothing if not consistent. We know that the melodies will be strong, that the musicianship will be impeccable, and that she’ll be wearing her heart on her sleeve (as well as everywhere else). This will be too twee for some – there’s little in the way of an edge. But if it’s feel-good, summery ditties that you’re after, look no further.
Amanda Morgan is about to be the star of next week’s City Slang, and deservedly so. The 17-year-old has been nominated for a ton of awards, and her new single, “Saturday in June”, showcases exactly what she’s about. For one so young, she has mastered the ability to put genuine feelings surrounding relationships into words with impressive eloquence. Read more about her next week.
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