Sounding Off

My thoughts are continuing to appreciate the past. It’s February 1, and winter finally made it to Ponca City. I’m literally “chilling” while sitting in the north stands at Sullins Stadium, remembering those cold Friday night football games, playing in the Big Blue Band, 160 students strong, both in the stands and on the half-time field. Of course, back then this hallowed sports arena was named Blaine Stadium, with the name change happening several years after my graduation. Those were some great days! We spun a lot of records back then, and I have relished spinning one for this month’s column. The Listening Room … This month I’m reviewing a newly released album from Willie Cry Records, “Out of the Cellar and Over the Plains.” When I say “album,” I mean a vinyl record album. Willie Cry Records originated in Oklahoma, and the first recordings were laid down over 20 years ago at Shanghai Studios, located in Osage County not far from Ponca City. Since then, the label continued to sign and promote musicians from not only Oklahoma, but several other states and currently has a roster of 15 artists, representing a wide cross-section of music styles and influences. Some of the artists are from the Ponca City area! My turntable died several years ago after 50 years of service, so I borrowed one (Thank you, Kelsey!). With the record player wired into my studio system, the tunes flowed, introducing me to new music and musicians.

Eleven different bands/artists are represented on this album. After my first listen (of several), I was struck by how many songs were heavily influenced by 1960s music. If the Beatles and a 1990s punk rock band had a child, then you would have the first song, “Drop the Baggage Keep the Goods” by The Gardes. This is a driving, dance-beat tune representing some of the best of garage band music. “Let Go” by My-Tea Kind has a catchy melody that easily becomes an ear-worm and displays wonderful harmonies. “Mike” by The Gussissin is a nice change. This is a smooth tune with a driving bass line and clean melody, reminiscent of a modern jazz song. The envelope follower on the guitar lead is a nice touch.

“Million” by the American Darlings opens with pure punk rock in the sincerest form of the genre. Personally, I’d love to hear a remix of this song with the vocals sitting more on top of the instruments. Nevertheless, I really liked this one and have added it to my personal playlist. “Clouds” by Andrew Polokow is a barebones recorded song – guitar, vocals and a washboard beat. You literally want to sing along! “27” by Dinosaur Boyfriend and “JTAF3” by JTAF are both songs that represent writing just to experiment with possibilities and obviously have no agenda to the format or a statement. Both are very ethereal in sound and demonstrate heavy use of reverb. JTAF should be writing for science-fiction movie soundtracks. They have the format down pat. “Amathyst” by Arms of London is another favorite of mine. This song fits right into the mid 1960s sound and reminded me of cruising Grand

Avenue on a Friday night with the radio blasting. I have added this tune to my playlist as well.

The final song, “Put in a Good Word for Me” was written specifically to meet a three-minute vacancy in the lineup for the album. Featuring several of the Willie Cry stable of artists, this is a true dance tune, or even a road tune played as the white lines pass by. The ska rhythm reminds me of original songs by the Visa IV or the Swank Bastards. Overall, it represents a proper way to close the album, and yet leaves you wanting more. This album is well worth adding to your collection. It is a limited edition of 450, and is available at stores in Tulsa, OKC and at Shanghai Sound in Ponca City. The Bandstand … Five Year Gap will be at the 51st Street Speakeasy in OKC on March 18 and are releasing their first album on March 4. You can catch it on all streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. Look for a review in next month’s column.

The always crowd-pleasing Larry Newsom will be at Zanotti’s in Stillwater on March 11 and 26.

Back2Sighs continues to bring live music to the masses with a tremendous line up: Larry Newsom on March 4, the hard-driving rock of the Curtis Moore Band on March 25, and New Dynasty will be back on April 1 (and that’s no joke!). Ridin’ High, Northern Oklahoma’s high-energy music and dance club, is featuring the Robert Allan Band on March 12 (their CD is for sale at local Atwood’s stores), Jimmy Lee Jordan on March 26 and Brody Caster on April 2. Finally … Please note: Local bands are booking for the year. Give them a call! And keep an eye on the downtown “PC Entertainment District.” You never know what’s going to happen each week! If anyone has information on live music events, please write me at smscott54@hotmail.com.