(Joey Molland)
Label(s):
Genre:
Release Date:
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Grade:
B+
Format:
LP
Tracks:
10
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Joey Molland is a journeyman musician. In the mid-60’s he played gigs with several local groups, hit or miss, and finally landed his big gig with the band Badfinger. Badfinger was signed to Apple Records (a start up label by The Beatles).
From there Molland enjoyed lots of successes as well as landed guest appearances on albums from Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s Imagine. Things were good for Molland until he split ways with Badfinger over disputes involving management and went off on his own.
Aside from occasionally recreating Badfinger and touring, Molland has enjoyed a solo career on his own time. Albums coming out nearly decades apart from one another. This, Return To Memphis, is his fourth solo release since This Way Up in 2001. So how does it sound?
It’s hard not to compare Molland to an artist like Van Morrison. Molland’s voice isn’t as acrobatic and powerful as Morrison’s, but his delivery offers up a narrative to the lyrical aspect that’s backed by a bluesy rock theme complete with back up singers.
Molland’s voice sounds well traversed, a bit tired at times, but still emotionally relevant to the music. It’s ambiance boasts a pop feel to it at times. Songs that are playing up to a theme seemingly for the aesthetic. Meanwhile other songs sound like tales from the road offered up through the vocal styling’s of a well traveled, be it weathered, journeyman.
I think what’s going to make or break this album for most people is the fact that it feels so comfortable. Molland doesn’t seem overly taxed while performing. He seems relaxed, at times exhausted with memory, but deep down, beneath his faltering vocals, there’s a niche that is reminiscent of Roger Waters or Eric Clapton. For me, the music brings it all together with that radio friendly, yet blues rock feel that aims to only please itself.
Right off the bat you’re going to love it or it will grow on you. If it doesn’t, well, you can’t win them all. Well worth checking out though.
Review by AJ Garcia
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