Paul Ryan – POP-A-LOOZA

Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men

Christmas Morning

https://nickpiuntimusic.bandcamp.com/track/christmas-morning

Nick Piunti and The Complicated Men continue their 2020 hot streak with Christmas Morning, a nifty bit of rocking yule, equal parts Paul Westerberg and Bryan Adams. A gritty comment on Christmas commerciality that is definitely this year’s Christmas ear worm.

Irene Pena

Will You Turn Up (For Christmas)

https://irenepena.bandcamp.com/album/will-you-turn-up-for-christmas

Combining spooky surf guitar runs with a sweet melody, Will You Turn Up (For Christmas) is quickly becoming a favorite to accompany holiday decorating at my house. This one wouldn’t sound out of place on the great Phil Spector Lp that is so beloved. Nicely done!

Lisa Mychols & SUPER 8

Red Bird

http://Lisamychols.bandcamp.com

Lisa Mychols and Paul Ryan (SUPER 8) give us Red Bird, a dreamy winter pop tune full of twinkling bells and floaty, ethereal vocals. Cheerful in all the right ways, it’s a welcome addition to the seasonal songbook. Pretty.

Lisa Mychols & Super 8

Lisa Mychols & Super 8 (The Beautiful Music 2020)

https://lisamychols.bandcamp.com/album/lisa-mychols-super-8-album-2

It’s always exciting when a collaboration between talented musicians occurs, and the teaming of Lisa Mychols and Paul “Trip” Ryan (who operate under the moniker Lisa Mychols & Super 8) is no exception. Lisa’s bright and lively vocals stand as the ideal companion to Trip’s intrepid instrumental and structural techniques, while the songwriting is flush with melodic allure.

Trimmed with a twinkly psychedelic border, Trip & Ellie’s Music Factory frolics to a giddy gait, features a groovy break and contains a sheaf of mouth-watering bubblegummish lyrics. Governed by swagger and sass, Time Bomb rocks and with style and intent, where Flying Close To The Sun flourishes in form with vibrant hues and heart-stopping harmonies.

Clothed in string arrangements and mining a bit of good old fashioned vaudeville virtues, The Monkee Song offers a dosage of goofy fun, and the majestic The Arms Of Water imparts images of the rolling waves of an ocean, complete with the sound of singing seagulls.

The duo’s flair for acoustic-based roots rock arrives on an inspired interpretation of Kenny Rankin’s Peaceful, in which Trip handles lead vocals in mighty fine fettle. Another cover appearing on the album is the moody chant-infested Witchi Tai To, that was a minor hit in 1969 for a band called Everything is Everything.

Branded with a becoming blend of musical values, Lisa Mychols & Super 8 adds up to a thoroughly pleasurable listening experience. Lisa and Trip work well together, so here’s hoping their partnership produces further choice creations.