Phil Rockrohr and the LiftersPopcycle
Phil Rockrohr and the Lifters
Popcycle
The Star’s own Phil Rockrohr has been making a signature mark on the Chicago music scene for a decade now. He’s played under a variety of names and released a handful of original song demo collections, but through it all, his Lou Reed delivery and Tom Petty guitar simplicity have remained intact.
Rockrohr’s latest outfit is Phil Rockrohr and The Lifters who’ve released a five-song CD called Popcycle, which has been getting some play on WXRT-FM’s "Local Anesthetic" program. It’s a sharp sounding recording of jangle-pop guitar songs with nods to Reed, Petty, Bob Dylan and The Byrds that may be Rockrohr’s most solid effort yet.
The leadoff track, "Rebel Without A Cause" is a litany or rock ‘n’ roll wishes where Rockrohr talks of rocking with the New York Jets and joining the Lemonheads, and even lifts a quote from REOSpeedwagon. "She Kissed Me"follows, driven by a nicely funky bassline. It ends with a re-recording of "Thinking of You," a Byrds-jangly track Rockrohr previously released on a 1992 demo tape with The Beat Writers.
If you like Lou Reed and jangly rock, you should definitely seek out Rockohr. For more info check his web site at www.philrockrohr.com or stop by the Double Door in Chicago (1572 N. Milwaukee) tomorrow night, Jan. 21, where his band will be opening for Nick Tremulus and Ellen Roesner.
Lisa Brandt
I'll Send An Angel
(AEMMP Records)
It’s a crime that Chicago’s Lisa Brandt didn’t get on the Lilith Fair tour last summer. The former G-Men singer’s solo debut on Columbia College’s AEMMP label offers seven songs of often ethereal beauty that should hold great appeal for the Sarah McLachlan set.
Brandt sings in a light, soothing upper register that’s supported by a smart mix of synthesizers and guitars. It’s a pro-sounding release that offers a gorgeous opening track in "I’ll Send An Angel" and a danceable reworking of Phil Collins’ "In The Air Tonight."
There are also pensive piano moments and string orchestrations in "Little Monsters" and a k.d. lang twang feel to the sensual "Strange Feeling."
For more information, write to lisamusic@bigfoot.com or stop by http://bigfoot.com/~lisamusic