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As the past is reinterpreted to serve present tastes, musicians seeking to mix the comfort of the familiar with the fresh taste of something original dig further down in the rock heap, often creating unlikely ‘custom blends' of influences. If you've ever waxed nostalgic at the thought of indie rock that draws from a bulletproof British invasion icon fronting an early 80's Americana hybrid: say, a place where Ray Davies fronts Tom Petty's Heartbreakers while John Mellencamp rides shotgun, then Wonderful Johnson can take you there. We invite you to take a bite of this guitar-driven band's relentlessly melodic new CD, Authentic Memphis Samich.
Tim McGeary explores themes of male
vulnerability and the necessity of risk taking in relationships on hook-heavy songs like the playful-but-sincere “I Want Your Number,” the rave-up feel of “She Wants More” and the potential pop hit, “Connection.” Adding to this solid album are Eric Hallis' chiming, soaring guitar work: particularly potent when bent notes converge with minor chord melancholy on “17 Years Down,” (a track that brings the Rolling Stone's indelible classic, “As Tears Go By” immediately to mind). One of the album's more controversial tracks transports the listener to a nightmare reality scenario playing out in “Don't Lay Me Down,” as the odd chord progression nudges you deeper into the situation without becoming bogged down in the details. Now, that's good song
writing.
Once you take Authentic Memphis Samich for a test spin, I'm confident it will
find a home in your CD player. |
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love the name of this band and the title of the album.
How could you not be attracted to a band with the name Wonderful Johnson? It sounds so footloose and fancy free. The title "The Authentic Memphis Samich" is as unusual as it gets dontcha think? Well, for that matter, the music is as refreshing and upbeat as I have heard in sometime.
This is what I call power pop...the kind that goes from first to fifth gear right from the starting gun. Tim McGeary is the driver with his heartfelt vocals built for this rock 'n' roll machine. They reminded me of the Dave Matthews Band for the fact that they use stringed instruments not commonly used such as the cello and violin. This is great music with a strong melodic sense. With soaring harmonies and jangling guitars reverberating around the singer, it harkens back to another time, like the '60s, except it is made for today. With the warm weather weeks away, I can picture cars cruising around with music like this blasting from their speakers. When I hear music like this, it makes me feel free, just like a long drive with the windows rolled down on hot summer day.
When you hear "She Said," which is the best track on the album, you will understand what I am talking about, but first you have to get his CD. If you have always appreciated good musicianship and top-flight vocals in a rock-pop setting you will love this music, I have no doubt.
I go through a process when I review music, I listen nonchalantly first then I listen once again closely. The second time around it all hits home much stronger because I am paying more attention. The bottom line is, if like it the first time, I will listen a second time. This band passed the music litmus test for this writer. Wonderful Johnson won my heart and my ears by speaking frankly to me; hence, I was ready for another round.
In a world full of have-nots with no hope of getting better there are few five star outfits that will tickle your fancy and make your day as this one will. Check out this band, they are worth a good look.
©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Suite101.com (march 2003)
The Scoop: Earnest rock and roll from Floridian Tim McGeary, who about 20 years ago was rocking the world with the A&M act The Rescue (opening for the likes of The Cure, Depeche Mode and Billy Idol). This album has little in common with those 80's legends, foregoing stylization and theatricality for a straightforward, melodious Triple A approach. McGeary draws some of his inspiration from his experience as a flight medic and fire fighter (he was at Ground Zero for two weeks following 9-11). It is not an exaggeration, then, to say that some Wonderful Johnson songs really are matters of life and death. Fortunately, the music never gets heavy-handed, and even when McGeary has the weight of the world to consider, he also finds time to muse about the simpler, finer things in life (pretty girls, etc.).
Highlight Tracks: “I Want Your Number” and “Undone” |
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| Date |
Venue/Club |
Location |
| January 13, 2006 |
bayshore coffee company |
naples FL, usa |
| January 14, 2006 |
bayshore coffee company |
naples FL, usa |
| February 11, 2006 |
dunn bros. coffee house |
addison TN, usa |
| February 09, 2006 |
the texas theatre |
waxachie TX, usa |
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Location:
naples FL, usa
tim mcgeary Website
mutton142@aol.com
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