“Back to now” was the title that immediately came to mind when I started composing this entry. But, as I typed, it was nagging away at me that I’d used this title before. So I checked – and I have. No matter, it seems perfectly appropriate so I’m happy to use it again.
Alan Wilkis sent me an email recently with a very polite request – can I send you some music?
I get my fair share of product pushing emails nowadays. Mostly the musical genres they represent have nothing to do with those I wax lyrical about hereabouts. But the emails come in, scatter gun, and impersonal. Alan’s email was different though, it definitely had a personal touch, and I immediately had a warm feeling. So I popped over to his Myspace page and listened to a few of his featured tracks. As I told Alan - the music grabbed me.
Be prepared for a (pleasant) diversion. Alan’s Myspace page chooses to define his music as electronica/classic rock. It’s not what you would generally expect to find here at Feel It for sure (it’s new for a start! ha ha!). But equally I don’t think you can so simply pigeonhole Alan’s music, so let me quote from Alan’s flyer to give you an idea:
“Babies Dream Big” is the self-produced solo debut from Brooklyn based multi-instrumentalist, Alan Wilkis. The album is an exercise in stylistic cross-pollination, paying homage to the soul, R&B, classic rock, and electronic music of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.”
And also:
“BDB grew out of a genuine love for the pop music of the past”.
I can certainly hear echoes of ELO, Hall & Oates, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Queen, Kraftwerk, Yellow Magic Orchestra(!), to name just a few. The CD holds a consistently high standard, 12 tracks (well 11 and a twiddly bit), no filler.
It’s unashamedly feel good music. It has a sunny disposition, it’s big and bright, and proudly wears a retro heart on its sleeve.
“Babies Dream Big” will be a perfect accompaniment to the rapidly approaching summer. Get yourself a copy. Jump in the car, put the top down and turn the volume up. Find your favourite park and don’t forget to take your retro ghetto-blaster with you - forget your Ipod, this music deserves to be broadcast! 
3 comments:
"Girls on Bikes" is great! Wilkis's voice is similar to Ben Folds's.
ELO comes to mind, but only in the music. It's good. I don't know everything that's gong on in music right now, but there are definitely no contemporary bands I can think of that sound like this. Thanks for sharing.
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