Search - Tommy Keene :: In the Late Bright (Dig)

An early contender for album of the year (2009)

Howlinw | California, USA | 02/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first became aware of Tommy Keene through his 2006 release Crashing the Ether. At the time I was going through a power-pop phase in my listening and bought Crashing the Ether on the strength of recommendations from other power-pop enthusiasts. Quite frankly, the album blew me away with its hook-laden melodies and big guitar sound. It was timeless but also very much of the present, a superb rock album in an era that has provided us with far too few of those. I also enjoyed its cult status, and felt that its relative obscurity allowed me to develop an even deeper connection with it.



Since discovering the little-known gem that introduced me to Tommy Keene's music, I have learned that the songwriter had a critically-acclaimed run of albums and sideman gigs during the 80s. These albums seem nearly impossible to find now, which is a shame. Keene has also collaborated with Robert Pollard, (formerly) of Guided By Voices, which makes sense given that both seem to have an affection for short, loud, very melodic songs.



So here is Tommy Keene's new one, a shorter, punchier work than Crashing the Ether. Perhaps some of Robert Pollard's influence has rubbed off on Mr. Keene, and it definitely works well. This is an album of big guitars and even bigger melodies, with a rawer edge that is more classic rock n roll (not "classic rock") than it is punk. However there are also moments of quieter yet utterly supreme pop perfection, such as the soaring "Save This Harmony." The album is nicely separated by an almost proggy instrumental, "Elevated," which uses interesting guitar effects to create a swirling and colorful musical environment. It's a change of pace that is welcome, adding some sonic diversity after several similar songs. There is not a weak track here, although some of the tracks do tend to blur together a little upon a first listen.



It amazes me that artists are able to keep reinventing the power pop genre generation after generation, always adding something new and exciting. Tommy Keene is an artist with a unique voice and a sound utterly his own, however familiar it may be. Finding that voice is no mean feat and speaks volumes for the man and his music. I look forward to many more great releases from Tommy Keene, and hope that he makes it out to California if he tours behind this one."

Another great record

sam hill | frisco, tx USA | 03/12/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"All of Keene's albums are good, this one is a little better than the last few. He seems to have recaptured a bit of the edge he had earlier in his career. Perhaps thanks to hanging out with Bob Pollard. Fans will not be disappointed."

Power Pop's Finest Makes His Best Album of Career

John D. Pride | Atlanta, GA USA | 05/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You'd think that after decades of great power pop and Tommy Keene's own illustrious career as its best purveyor, there would be little left to ragale us with. How wrong that notion would be! Jangly hooks abound here, some of Keene's best ever (the songs here are every bit as catchy as "Places That Are Gone"), accompanied by nods to the early Who, amazing guitar work and terrific vocals. Even the odd instrumental guitar track is compelling. This CD starts off infectiously and just gets better track by track. Strangely, I haven't read one single review of it by any of the trades, re-demonstrating what a maligned genre power-pop still is, unless you're Miley Cyrus doing a watered down version of The Dollyrots, or some young and pretty emo band. All in all, this is 2009's best album so far and an absolute masterpiece."