With a catalogue bragging of over 12 self released (hand packaged) efforts, for Alan Madej of Cleveland,Ohio, opportunity knocks. Released this past week, his new full length album, “Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start,” (*note to reader: this is the cheat to get unlimited lives on the Nintendo game, “Contra.” If you are under 30 you might not get this) and his second Christmas single sung with co-author, Ashley Brooke Toussnat; “Christmas Memory,” might make an excellent digital stocking stuffer for the rock and roll lover in your life.
“Christmas Memory,” is a delicate ballad garnished with all the holiday fixins’ one might expect from a Christmas song. With its ‘Patsy Cline-esque’ female vocals and overlapping melodies this single is sure to conjure images of yule tide cheer.
As for the above mentioned, new full length; it draws from fuzzy, 50s garage rock and roll before nodding to the likes of The Who and Guided By Voices. Out of the gate with, “Everybody’s Boy,” the first track is as fun and festive as it is infectious. It is laced in reverb and with its claps and pop beat finely executed by Madej’s brother, Alex, this track demands a smile and perhaps a quick dance around the nearest conifer (the song clocking in at, 2 minute, 46 seconds).
This album is stated by Alan Madej to be a more “…live, like plug in and go…” release compared to the 2011, carefully produced, “Luna Bridge,” the title track of which was used as the background music for the commercial for the 2012 Cleveland International Film Festival.
No small exposure for, Madej as the festival has been gaining attention in the international film community since it’s featured program is now eligible for Academy Awards. “U.U.D.D.L.R.L.R.B.A.S.,” certainly takes a different turn toward the end with the GBVish, “Dismissive Miles Away,” before the album’s nostalgic farewell, “Wonderful Dreamers Do.” Listening to this track, I can’t help but reminisce of the rock and roll hay day of songs like, “Sleepwalk,” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” Also, worthy of some note is the cover art was created by none other than, Madej, himself.
One can go to bandcamp to download or stream any of Madej’s expansive collection of work. Below we have included tracks from Madej’s new full length album, his two Christmas singles, and a link to Ashley
Brooke Toussnat’s Christmas cover… so sit back, pour your favorite spiked beverage and indulge this Holiday season with Mr. Madej and friends by your side.
Happy Holidays from me and the staff at “Flowers in a Gun.”
More about Alan on the following links:
http://alanmadej.bandcamp.com/album/up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right-b-a-start
http://alanmadej.bandcamp.com/album/christmas-single
http://ashleybrooketoussant.bandcamp.com/track/rockin-around-the-christmas-tree
