Search - Frank Lee Sprague :: Cavern

A Merseybeat-style gem!

Fred Burwell | Beloit, WI USA | 12/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many of us wish we could travel back in time to see the Beatles or another Merseybeat group rocking the fans at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. We hunger for music from that period and buy up all the archival releases, but always hope for something new that has that same feel and soul. Last year, Frank Lee Sprague gave us a tantalizing taste of that with his sparkling "Merseybeat" album. Now, with "Cavern", he ups the ante with a further set of superb British Invasion-style rockers and ballads.



Frank strips things down this time around and opts for a rawer, classic four-piece band sound with plenty of fiery guitar and heart-felt vocals. His songs have a way of pulling you in with repeated listens. "Give it All You Can" is a spectacular rocker, the kind that slams you up against a wall and leaves you weak. "She Lied" features an accomplished arrangement and production which only enhances its dynamic melody and heartbreaking vocals. It's my pick for the top ten (in a perfect world)! The Beatlesque "You Missed Out On Me" is as catchy as can be, another chart pick for sure. With its anthemic chorus and pulsating guitar, "She's a Bad Memory" should make any "power pop" band jealous. Frank excels on ballads as well. "Hear Here," for instance, is a melodic treat including a lovely descending guitar solo/backing vocals combination. As a bonus, Frank includes the raved-up "Sugar Bee," originally done by Cleveland Crochet, but reinvented in the mold of "Kansas City" by the Beatles. Keep the CD playing! Always generous, Frank includes a few "hidden" gems at the end.



"Cavern" will fit more than comfortably among your Beatles, Hollies and Searchers albums. It's a Merseybeat delight from start to finish."

Just terrific

Rick | NC | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just imagine John Lennon going back into the studio in the late 70's, recording an album of new songs but in the original Beatles sound & style of '62-'63 - this should give you some idea of what you'll hear on this collection of 13 superb, original tracks (and one hidden gem in addition). I've heard a lot of Beatle soundalike artists in 30-something years and this guy is absolutely in the Top 5 best I've heard. If you long to hear the sort of fun record you haven't heard in several decades, back when they made records that were so good you'd play them over and over, buy this. The only thing missing is the vinyl ticks & pops. Beatle/Lennon fans rejoice! Frank Lee Sprague is the real deal. "Merseybeat" is my next purchase."