For my first post since my Christmas sabbatical I want to talk about A.C. Newman, back in simpler times when he was simply known as "Carl".
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| The many moods of.... |
Of course, this band is more than Newman--the fact that the songs are credited to all four band members attests to as much. Of course the bands namesake, drummer Jason Zumpano must be credited. Michael Ledwidge's excellent keyboard work is also an equally huge component to the extraordinary pop music here. Rounding out the quartet is Stefan Niemann on Bass.
Judging from the album artwork, you might assume the band is Jason Zumpano and the others. His image dominates the album. They even have his drum kit on the back of the Cd!
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| Viva Zumpano! |
In reality (sorry drummers), A.C. Newman's vocals are front and center focus of attention in Zumpano. I think the Zumpano concept may have been a spoof in the vein of Frampton Comes Alive!! However I would be remiss not to mention that there are absolutely stunning harmonies throughout this album, possibly the work of Jason Z. And it is true that he has put out music post-Zumpano, under the moniker Sparrow.
One of my favorites on this album is Broca's Way, with its Good Vibrationy Theremin imitation organ riff, and the powerful Wilsonesque chorus, which dynamically contrasts with the subdued tone of the verses. "True Love looked good at a distance" Newman compellingly sings in the stellar Only Reason Under The Sun, but "doesn't look that way now". Great soaring harmonies again, on the chorus. Of note is dBish piano and harmonica Momentum, one of the most upbeat tunes on the album.
Probably my favorite moment on the album is The Sylvia Hotel with a cello intro leading into perfect beatific pop. Of course I may just be saying this because I am listening to the song at this very moment. Other standout moments include the mellow Bacharach sounding Millionaire Poets, with electric piano verse leading again into a big fat chorus, and the Pet Sounds vibe of the opening tune Behind The Beehive.
The last tune on the album Some Sun is also one of the strongest songs on the album. Nice heartbeat bass by Stefan Niemann, and an overall a masterful use of dynamics and space throughout the song. "Bored myself counting up all the days that I was wasted there", A.C. sings. Credit him for some subtly incendiary guitar work here also. Some Sun is definitely a song I would be proud to have written.
So another great album from Vancouver. But I wonder what happened to Michael Ledwidge? He really was a not so secret foil to Carl Newman on this album and a truly talented keyboardist. I hope that he is still making use of his gift. Goin' Through Changes certainly would not be such an excellent album without his efforts.
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| Traced the outlines of Main street... Jason and the Zumpalumpas |
I hope that people do check Zumpano out. Anybody who loves excellent pop songs should enjoy this. A lot. While their indebtedness to bands of the past in not very well hidden, that is merely a starting point for this band, as they do put their own unique twist on this genre. And this album, along with groups like the Pernice Brothers was an attempt by Subpop to get away from being stereotyped as the "Seattle Grunge record label". Which they actually were in their early years. But that aside, I still wish Zumpano had put out more material. But who knows? Since every band seemingly reunites, perhaps we will see a Zumpano reunion in the near future. For now we can only pray to the muses of pop-rock for such a happy outcome. It would be muy Zumpatico!
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