Sistar19 Ma Boy (2011)

Frank Zappa - Feeding The Monkies At Ma Maison (2011) {Zappa Records ZR 20012}
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© 2011 Zappa Records / The Zappa Family Trust | ZR 20012
Rock / Experimental Rock

Official Release #90. Frank Zappa's pioneering work on the Synclavier gave him the freedom to hear works that he considered too challenging for live musicians to perform, though Ensemble Modern worked hard enough to be able to play several of his works for the instrument in concert before his death in 1993. Since the technology behind the Synclavier was evolving along with Zappa's music, approximately doubling its processing and memory capacity every two years, it gave the composer greater tools to work with to realize his compositions. Feeding the Monkies at Ma Maison was compiled for an LP by Zappa prior to his death, but never mastered and released, though some of the music on this CD was further edited and eventually issued in altered and brief form.

On this album, the band focuses on the glam rock sound of the mid- to late-'70s (swirling guitars, high-pitched harmonies) on tracks like "Dear Jean (I'm Nervous)" and "The Man Who Ate His Car," but City Boy maintains its soft rock sound with light keyboard touches and soft vocals on songs such as "One After Two" and the title track. Young Men Gone West has an interesting, albeit uneven, mix of songs that doesn't have the same quirky, eclectic feel of the first two albums - but it is a worthy effort nonetheless.

City Boy's self-titled debut ranges from blues/funk tunes to mellow AOR songs to progressive, melodic tracks - there's something on the album for most everyone to like. From the Sweet-ish anthem "The Greatest Story Ever Told" to the quirky "Oddball Dance," City Boy is an eclectic, interesting and notable introduction.

Experimenting with their already mosaic sound, City Boy's second album, Dinner at the Ritz, relies heavily on guitars and harmonies, giving their songs a Yes or Queen quality. Their three-part "State Secrets - A Thriller" works quite well with the rest of the album's progressive, rock feel.
Formed by Max Thomas in 1974. A Birmingham (UK) based folk turned "artrock" band in the vein of 10 CC and Charlie. Put out a rather poppy single "Hap-ki-do" in 1976, followed by their first album: "City Boy" 1976. Some might dismis them as pure pop, but they have much more to them than that. There are plenty of stuff for both proggers and rockers to sink their teeth into, both musically and lyricwise. City Boy managed to pull it off in many a music style and that with elegance, brilliance & sheer enthuiasm.

Book Early starts with "5.7.0.5," a Queen/ELO hybrid, and the rest of the album follows suit pretty closely - but this time City Boy adds more pop elements to their sound and drops the soft rock feel that was prevalent on much of Young Men Gone West. The result is quite enjoyable, especially on tracks like "Raise Your Glass (To Foolish Me)," "Cigarettes" and "Dangerous Ground." Book Early is City Boy's most energetic, if not their best.

City Boy was an interesting art rock band, and it's surprising that they didn't win a more lasting legacy of acclaim. Their sound is a stew of late 70s styles, from the arty rock of 10cc to the pomp of Queen and the glossy sheen of Utopia. This is one of their later albums and is chock full of dramatic tunes driven by big riffs, clanky piano, smooth keyboards and high-pitched harmonies. There seems to be an apocalyptic theme, particularly in the opening two tracks. Proggers will interested in the 12-minute "Ambition", which features some orchestration for extra pomposity. This is definitely slick music with commercial appeal, but it is also interesting enough and has enough good musicianship to hold the attention of demanding listeners. City Boy's output was very consistent in terms of quality, so any of their albums make for a good listen.

Formed in 2009 as a solo vehicle for Sydney-based singer/songwriter Dave Hosking, Boy & Bear specializes in evocative and heartfelt indie folk-rock in the vein of contemporaries like Fleet Foxes, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Mumford & Sons. Rounded out by guitarist Killian Gavin, bass player Dave Symes, and brothers Tim (drums) and Jon Hart (mandolin, keyboards), the Aussie quintet inked a record deal with Island Records on the strength of its independently released first single, "Mexican Mavis." The group's debut EP, With Emperor Antarctica, dropped in early 2010, followed in 2011 by Boy & Bear's debut long-player, Moonfire, which went platinum in their native Australia. The band's sophomore outing, 2013's Harlequin Dream, would go gold.