Morningwood ROCKS!

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 12:47:27 UTC

I know I’ve left this blog to rot for a while, but I was waiting for that next great band of ’06. Hey, I just found a little Morningwood!

The quartet (duo?) is ready to take over the states with just plain fun rock and roll. Singer Chantal Claret (no relation to Maurice) can mask her voice in many different ways and she has incredible range. Bassist Pedro Yanowitz writes most of the music and has a knack for catchy tunes that are a great hybrid of 80’s pop and 70’s rock. Japa Keenon drums and Richard Steel slings the guitar.

You really should visit the website. There you will find music downloads, videos (the video for Nth Degree is effin’ brilliant as the band creates singing classic album covers, and Chantal literally falls out of her blouse on Jetsetter), and a store. Heck, you can also check out Jimmy Kimmel Live online and see a Morningwood performance! So, why don’t I go ahead and get into the CD:

1) Nü Rock – starts out with a simple driving beat and guitar riff and a little flange, if ya know what I mean. It kinda reminds me of the Knack. Chantal screams a bit on this track with a great chorus of “come on/get over it/come on/get into it!” This is a fantastic way to start the disc.

2) Televisor – Another upbeat intro, but it quiets down a little and Chantal shows her lovely soft voice. Don’t worry, it picks back up and she screams for you. I love the effects on the work “box” – funky synthesizers and reverb. Brilliant.

3) Nth Degree – this song is so perfect for a live show! Love the way they spell out the name of the band: “M-O, M-O-R, M-O-R-N-I-N-G, W-O-O-D, to the Nth Degree!” Oh, and you’ll absolutely gush over the bring-it-down/bring-it-back-up refrain. So catchy and fun, you’ll have this song in your head for days! A great first single to introduce the world to the band.

4) Jetsetter – this will probably be the second single released. Chantal sounds a lot like Juliana Hatfield during the soft beginning, but she starts yelling through a speaker box when the song picks up. I’m simply amazed at how her voice sounds different on almost every song!

5) Take Off Your Clothes – OK, so what can you say about this song? The bass line is pretty much exactly the same as Nirvana’s Teen Spirit, and Chantal basically pleads with you to, ya know. Can you resist?

6) Body 21 – I really enjoy the cool bass line that starts out this track. Also, the line “my body’s 21/but my mind is ageless” is just enticing. Probably the most mellow track on the disc, but I still love it!

7) Easy – a simple, straightforward, 70’s anthem rock. Is this AC/DC or Golden Earring? Pure joy right here!

8) Babysitter – the music is fun, but the lyrics are a little creepy. Basically, Chantal is singing about wanting to get it on with the kid she’s babysitting. “Can I crawl in bed with you/I’ll let you stay up real late.” Guh! Fortunately, the song is so fun and catchy that it doesn’t even seem that horrible. Don’t EVEN bring up Gary Glitter to me right now!

9) New York Girls – I swear I thought I was listening to an old B-52’s track here. Is this Cindy Wilson singing 52 girls? This is an 80’s sounding song with girls from around the world calling out their place of origin.

10) Everybody Rules – well, I’m not sure if EVERYBODY does, but by now you should realize that Morningwood certainly DOES rule! Another tune with spelling – something you can imagine a crowd screaming along to at a show. Chantal is sultry and sexy on this tune as well.

11) Ride the Light – a nice and simple way to end the CD. Again, Chantal’s voice sounds COMPLETELY different on this suggestive tune. The song ends at about the 4:09 mark, but a minute later, some kids start yelling “Everybody Rules!” Very cute.

You know you want to try it. Everyone enjoys a little Morningwood!

4.5 out of 5!

Pat Angello Fan Club Music Blog - Morningwood

Morningwood ROCKS!