Brandon Schott - Room 8

Very few new releases could nudge me out of semi-retirement, but Brandon Schott has been a favorite around here for a very long time. The surprise Room 8 includes pure and acoustic renditions of a few of his classics and more. This is late-night music best served with whiskey on the rocks next to a slow-burning fire to quiet the noise of a long, busy day. This is the soundtrack to the twilight of a scary year. This is music for the soul.
 

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Shake Off The Routine

Six minutes?! What a tease! Brandon Schott has released a brand new EP called Verdugo Park, which essentially serves as the second single from his upcoming album Crayons & Angels backed with a couple non-album tracks. Such music biz lingo.

The EP naturally starts with its namesake Verdugo Park, a happy tune about a happy place where life can't be that hard. Hell, the tune prominently features a tuba and Brandon's own kids. I dare you not to smile while listening to it. Musically, it's what you might expect and would want to hear from Brandon after 2011's excellent change-of-pace 13 Satellites. Forgive the lazy Beatles reference, but consider Verdugo Park Brandon's pre-Sgt. Pepper release; a striking yet fleeting hint of the brilliant promise of what's next. It's a full-on embrace of studio magic, and Brandon has become quite the magician. Hell, I can't even see the green screen in the accompanying magical video ...



Magic. Following the title track is the trippy instrumental Lapiz Lazuli. To carry the Beatles comparison further, it's the Lennon after the McCartney. It's impossible not to hear the mid-60s influence of Tomorrow Never Knows, but it's not merely a copy; it's a Schottsian original. You can picture Brandon working meticulously on this one in the wee hours of a Sunday morning drinking a Scotch while hoping not to wake the kids. My only criticism is that it's not five minutes longer.

Finally, the EP finishes with a perfectly pleasant cover of Castaway. It's an appropriate balance to the rest of the EP and reminds you of earlier, simpler Schott that is more stripped and less studio. Remarkably, in a mere six minutes on a single EP, Brandon Schott has showcased his best qualities. If the intent was to get us pumped for a full-length, well dammit, it's a job well done.

Disclosure: We at Too Poppy consider Brandon a good friend. In other words, he can do no wrong. Of course, a thorough listen to his catalog reveals the truth behind our opinion. Go on. Discover and explore already.

Verdugo Park is out today digitally and available very soon physically!

Official Site | Bandcamp | iTunes | Amazon

Sing A Joyful Tune

I had a discussion with my kids today about the virtues of vinyl records. My 13-year-old is nearly convinced, but my 11-year-old has a ways to go. Of course it would help to actually get a record player so my dusty LPs from my teens can get some use. I digress.

Today Brandon Schott and An American Underdog (aka Andy Reed) release four perfect-pop gems on their new EP reasonably titled The A/B EP. An American Underdog's The Show Goes On and Good Girl grace Side A while Brandon Schott's Henry and Verdugo Park (Part 2) carry the load on Side B. It's well documented here how much we value Brandon and it's a thrill that he's really tapped into his poppy parts that we heard emerge front and center with his last full-length 13 Satellites. An American Underdog is a revelation and new to me. I've read his 2011 release Always On The Run is a must yet here I am without. The shame.

All four tunes will be on their respective forthcoming full-length albums so this is just an enticing taste of what's to come. The Show Goes On is absolute gold and I'm in love. If someone asked me what a perfect pop song sounds like, that would be a fair answer. Good Girl proves that a marriage between the musical echoes of Elliott Smith and Jeff Lynne is very welcome. Henry is the Penny Lane we knew Brandon had in him. It's pure Beatley joy emanating from the headphones. And Verdugo Park (Part 2) is a bit moodier and suggests a cliffhanger for what's next. I can't wait to hear.

So back to vinyl. In retrospect it was less a digression and more of a set-up. I can't imagine a more appropriate format than vinyl for this release that is so deeply steeped in vinyl's golden age yet such a breath of fresh air. The 7-inch vinyl edition is limited to only 100 copies! Have a power pop fanatic in your life that you think has heard it all? This will blow them away. You can settle for the digital version as well, which is how I've been enjoying it, but these four tunes have inspired me to share a now unique musical experience with my kids that may elevate their love of music to record heights. Pun intended.

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Lost Our Way

Brandon Schott has continued his wonderful multimedia web series Defying Gravity with Episode V: The Empire Strike Back, er, Rob Shapiro. Rob is a powerpopper in powerpopperrific Populuxe. Enjoy an exclusive tune, video, and musings here.

A Whisper Short of Words

Brandon Schott gets personal on the latest episode of Defying Gravity recounting how growing up a military brat has influenced his life. I can't relate to that specifically but Brandon has an uncanny knack for bridging the gap and making the personal universal.



Podcast, video, and download here

Sometimes a Guinness

Brandon Schott has released a domestically blissful video for This Is Home from 13 Satellites...



The video is a lovely reminder that not only is Brandon a great musician, he's good people.

I Am Learning

That was really good.

Brandon Schott's new multimedia effort Defying Gravity starts today with its first episode and includes a stunning cover of The Blue Nile's I Would Never. One of my favorite things about Brandon is his pure love of music both in its creation and appreciation. This cool episode gives up a glimpse of this love that he pours into everything he does.

Locked in Orbit

Brandon Schott's up to something...



More soon.

My Heart Beats Responding

Brandon Schott has released the second (!) music video from his newest album 13 Satellites. Beware. There be monsters.



Inspiration?

In the Cradle of a Song

“You’re the greatest love I’ve ever known.” When Brandon Schott sings it in This Is Home, rest assured it isn’t mere hyperbole. Lesser artists bury such a heartfelt line in flippant three-minute pop songs that sting with fleeting pleasure. Brandon lays it so bare on one of the sparsest songs on his new album 13 Satellites that it resonates through every carefully crafted note on the whole album. In just a moment it is stunningly clear that the stellar 13 Satellites is Brandon’s most ambitious, satisfying, and accomplished album to date.

Lyrically there’s a cozy domestic vibe on 13 Satellites that resonates with this 30-something suburban dad. Brandon writes, plays, and sings from his heart with such sincerity and vulnerability that you can’t help but want to hug the guy. Knowing Brandon I’m sure he’d be game, which is a testament to his honest, personal songwriting. What an incredible feat of courage it is to put your life out there in song and Brandon is making a career of airing it all out. As a listener we are only enriched by the trust and respect Brandon clearly feels for his listeners.

As with his excellent previous efforts, it is pure joy to hear Brandon's influences. In the hands of such a talented songwriter the tunes never sound derivative or unoriginal. In fact, Brandon leaves his original mark on every second of every song. Specifically, Satellite reminds me that as long as the final product comes close to a song like this, every new generation has a right to lay claim to The Beatles’ lasting legacy. The Sgt. Peppery Exploding Angel oozes Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite. All the Way Down could so clearly be an outtake from Paul McCartney’s eponymous debut that would sound just perfect next to Junk. Although indisputably and admittedly Beatlesque throughout, 13 Satellites evokes its fair share of Beach Boy harmonies, Elliott Smith depth, Ben Foldsian melodies, and ... something sure is Jellyfishy with Louise Street.

The best thing about 13 Satellites? Brandon sounds happy. He has dealt with pretty heavy issues through his music and doesn't shy away here, but Brandon is clearly in a good place. 13 Satellites reflects a newfound playfulness that proves the good ones don't sacrifice fun for substance.

iTunes | Amazon MP3 | BrandonSchott.com

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Check out the way cool animated video for Satellite below.

On a final note, Flowers Fading is easily the most gorgeously timeless song I’ve heard all year. It. Is. Stunning.

Flickering Like an Old Forgotten Flame

Brandon Schott has posted a tongue-in-cheek informercial for his new album 13 Satellites, which I can safely say is his Too Poppiest effort to date! We're pumped about this one! Check it out...



13 Satellites is officially released October 25! More here.

Hanging Out in the Cool of The Night

Brandon Schott's first track from his forthcoming album is now streaming below. Take a listen. It's a great track. I can't wait for the album!

Satellite by BrandonSchott

I'll Open Up Release Me, Release Me, Release Me

Pop music master and friend of toopoppy.com Brandon Schott is releasing his 4th album on October 25, 2011. "13 Satellites" is promised to be his bet yet and I for one can't wait. He's launching a massive campaign to get the distribution and promotion train going. Contribute now and not only get an advance copy of the CD when, but you can even get Brandon to come to your home or swipe his prized ukelele used in the recording of the album. I'll definitely be getting in on some of that!

Be sure to check out his YouTube Channel for the quirky but fun 13 Satellites teaser trailers!

Thank You Friends

In celebration of Record Store Day tomorrow, Steven Wilson of Plasticsoul and Brandon Schott have released a cover version of Big Star's Thank You Friend. It's a very limited download for the first 200 fans here! Quite nice, but I would not have expected any less.


Big Star is also celebrating the bygone era of record store glory with a test pressing vinyl release of Third (from which Thank You Friend comes). Other notable releases include Bruce Springsteen, Built to Spill, Crowded House, Death Cab for Cutie, Fistful of Mercy, Fleet Foxes, Foo Fighters, Green Day/Husker Du (!!), Nirvana, Pink Floyd, R.E.M., The dBs, The Flaming Lips, and the like (not the band). See a full list here.

Many of the releases are exclusive to Record Store Day and quite rare. A few bands make the product available after, but many don't. Lines have been known to form early in the day so go to your favorite local shop and support a dying breed for at least one more day! I'll be hitting Zzz at some point tomorrow!

My Eyes Are Wide Open

Remembering John Lennon...



via Brandon Schott - today only

We Will Learn to Live Again

As November turns into December and we await the long winter chill, a little Brandon Schott goes a long way to provide some much needed warmth...



Brandon Schott on iTunes and Amazon MP3

I'll Make You So Sure About It

It's undeniable. God Only Knows is easily one of the most brilliant tunes ever released in the Too Poppy genre. Lovely harmonies, sweet sentiment, gooey in all the right places - just an all-around fantastic aural experience. The generations since have shown just how influential this one song has been with so many trying so desperately to write and record their own God Only Knows. Some come close. Most don't.

And others simply record their own cover version. Let's not kid ourselves, this is an incredibly risky move. Imitation may be sincerely flattering, but what good is a cover unless it has something special or unique to offer?

Brandon Schott is the latest to give it a go and not surprisingly we're the better of for it. As you'd expect, his version is no radical rearrangement, but the gift that Brandon gives in his music and especially in this cover is a certain intimacy and even vulnerability that let's us in and encourages us to experience the brilliant song from a slightly different perspective. For those of us familiar with Brandon's work, you're not surprised the musicianship is top-notch. He slows the tune down just enough for us to notice and give it new consideration. And for a song so revered for its harmonies that envelope the listener, Brandon boldly keeps them in check. The most obvious covers overwhelm us and try to outdo the original's harmonies. Brandon has more respect for the song itself and this interpretation challenges us to experience it with a fresh set of ears. Of course the killer moment comes when his son Tyler breaks in near the end: "...what I'd be without you...!" As any parent will tell you, this transcends the song to a completely new level.

Brandon Schott's proves God Only Knows is one of those rarities that is of its time and completely timeless. Well done.

I must not neglect to mention God Only Knows is backed with a cover of Strawberry Fields Forever! Strawberry Fields Forever is certainly of its time and is a bit too weird to be as universal as God Only Knows, but Brandon gives it a similar special treatment. As any Beatles nut as done throughout the years, I've dissected the song to dig deeper for understanding or revelation, which is its beauty - it never gives it all away. By making it downright haunting, Brandon's take adds a whole new element that has me excited to revisit the original and its many takes seeking a similar feel.

The Beach Boys and The Beatles - give Brandon credit for tackling both on one single and for giving us an entirely new appreciation for both the brilliance of the original songs and the gift of Brandon's musical voice.

God Only Knows b/w Strawberry Fields Forever is out today via iTunes.

Life Would Still Go On Believe Me

Brandon Schott is releasing his cover of God Only Knows b/w Strawberry Fields Forever as an iTunes exclusive on May 25. To celebrate, he and some friends are "hosting a special evening of music and entertainment at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa in Hollywood California on Thursday May 20, 2010 at 7PM. The event is FREE and open to all ages." For those lucky enough to be able to attend, he'll have 25 signed, limited edition CD singles. Not too convenient for this chump in Des Moines so I'll have to settle for the electronic version! I can handle that.


You might recall Brandon's first shot (see what I didn't do there?) at Strawberry Fields Forever as the grand finale of his Homegrown Recordings series featured exclusively here on Too Poppy last year. The free download is gone now - would you be willing to mess with The Beatles' business? - but soon you'll be able to download the new version from iTunes! We'll remind you when the time comes.


In the meantime, get yourself familiar with his previous releases: 


All of Brandon Schott's singles and albums via iTunes
Brandon Schott - RELEASE (2003) via iTunes, Not Lame, CD Baby
Brandon Schott - Golden State (2007) via iTunes, Not Lame 
Brandon Schott - Dandelion (2009) via iTunes, Amazon.com MP3

What Do You Know About Rock and Roll?

Been sitting on this review for too long now...

The new album from Plasticsoul called Peacock Swagger plays like an educational piece highlighting some of the most interesting aspects of late-era Beatles: variety, surprise, chatter, noise, mystery, melody, innovation. And there is quite a bit of real soul in Plasticsoul.

For me Peacock Swagger's most striking track is Cancer. Lyrically, Steven Wilson makes us feel the pain. "Cut it out; please cut it out" is either a plea to be left alone or a literal request to get that shit outta there. Either way, it hits hard. Even more brilliant though is the backwards guitar, which for me represents just how discordant the disease can be in one's life. It doesn't quite fit, but it's there and you must deal with it. Absolutely brilliant.

No worries, though; this is not at all a bummer of an album. How can it be with an opening track as irresistible as Sentimental Fucks / Life on Other Planets? Try resisting the chiming of Champion Tragic Boy from consuming your brain all day. Go balls out for Cock Rock 101. Feel the spirit of Elliott Smith in My Three Friends. Finally, cleanse yourself with the life-affirming Rainy Season, the perfect antidote for Brandon Schott's award-winning Fire Season. How appropriate, then, that Brandon happens to be a member of Plasticsoul. Brandon keeps good company and has the honor of being involved in two of the best releases of the year (the other being his very own Dandelion).

Peacock Swagger has already hit notable best-of-09 lists and if I bothered to put one together, it would undoubtedly be in a good fight for the toppermost of the poppermost.

Buy
TheirSpace

Disclaimer: The artist provided a preview copy of the album for consideration of a review. I wouldn't have bothered writing one if it wasn't genuinely as good as it is.

With the Storm Crashing Through

Brandon Schott delivers again with a 3-track EP of "homegrown" tunes! Download it free or give the guy a few bucks. He's worth it.