Music
CDs and DVDs, books, musical instruments, music gear, music software,
recording gear, audio equipment, music accessories, and more. Music
promotion.
ONE WAY Recommends [Issue
#15] HAL By
Peter Vouras
HAL
(CD
Rough Trade)
Every once in a
while a band will come along that is derivative but who they’re derivative
of is a virtual potpourri of rock superstardom. Hal is such a band. These Irish
boys led by brothers Paul and Dave Allen have come up with one of the catchiest
pop albums this year. Their eponymous release is already a huge success in the
UK and is poised to make a big impact in this country. Listening to their parents
(a successful folk duo in their own right) record collection set the tone for
the album with influences from The Beach Boys, Van Morrison, Rick Danko, and
Harry Nilsson. Elements of Supertramp, Wings, and The Four Seasons also play
an integral role. Harmonies abound on every song with “What A Lovely Dance,”
“Fools By Your Side,” and “Slowdown (You’ve Got A Friend)”
standing out. Particularly spectacular is “Coming Right Over,” which
starts off with a lone vocal, string mix and then kicks into a funky groove
that propels it throughout. Other standouts are “I Sat Down,” a playful
piano-laced that could be a lost track off Breakfast in America. “My
Eyes Are Sore” would make Brian Wilson proud. Simply put, a great album.
