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STEPHEN RESO - ORDINARY LIFE
Folks who have been around Not Lame for over 6 years will remember one of the very first CD's we carried back in 1995 by a band called Underground Cartoons, who had a EP produced by Jeff Murphy. Over the years, I get asked whatever happened to them. I have a good answer now. The lead singer of that band has released his first solo CD and it sounds like a large evolutionary step from that previous bands release. Reso has a special way with crafting insidiously catchy and enduring melodic chord structures that build to big anthemic choruses that make for good cruising music. This CD reminds me of the classic magic of The Beatifics in many parts, so much so, I would have guessed it could have been that band on some of these songs(this is a big compliment, to clarify, as that band has their unique and very special way with its melodic DNA). "overflows with crisp hooks, shimmering guitars, and sweet melodicism. "A vast stream of rock & pop genres flooded my head as I became immersed in the expansive, influential tracks. The intimately acoustic, "Too Close to Hide" is a personal favorite, with slight hints of Westerberg-like style. Reso's earnest vocals and lyrics radiate with such a delicate sincerity that you know you could safely bring him home to your parents. With twelve diverse tracks that leave you unceasingly pushing the repeat button, there is no doubt the debut will be considered far from embryonic. It's all a vintage, riff-laden and inspired release,beginning to end! - NOT LAME
Craig Leve / Snap, Crackle, POP!
KWVA
P.O. Box 3157
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
Ok....since we're talking about recent spins, I have to wholeheartedly cast
my enthusiastic vote behind Stephen Reso's "Ordinary Life" - I listened to
this a couple times a while back, and liked it. Then I put it on a couple
days back, and it simply knocked my socks off. I don't know if Eb is keeping
track of all of our faves for the year, but this is a sure candidate to end
up on any year end list I author.
Stephen was a once member of Underground Cartoons who's tracks have graced
much lauded compilations: Bam Balaam v.4 and Yellow Pills V.2. So I suppose
he's got the right pedigree (well, for most of us, I suppose). His website
mentions that he occasionally covers Nick Lowe & Graham Parker, but he's
much less the pub rocker than they tend to be (though nothing wrong with
those chaps' tunes). There are hooks a-plenty here and a sensibility not too
far from World So Bright era Adam Schmitt, & perhaps a bit of Paul
Westerberg, as well. This is really a stunning CD. I know Bruce is carrying
it so you can check there. Also more info at a couple sites:
www.gigrecords.com/stephenreso & www.stephenreso.com
best,
craig
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Snap, Crackle, POP is aired on KWVA, Eugene, OR @ 88.1 FM
10am-12 Noon EVERY Friday!
On the internet, as well @ http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~kwva/kwva.ram
For additional information or for requests for an upcoming show,
please contact craigl@ori.org
Direct materials of interest or CDs for consideration to Craig Leve at:
Craig Leve / Snap, Crackle, POP!
KWVA
P.O. Box 3157
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
- Craig Leve
Discography
"Ordinary Life" - 2002 Gig Records, "Guitar & Vocals" - 1996 Dandelion Records, "Shoot For The Sky" - (Underground Cartoons) - 1993 Cork Records
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
*New album to be released fall 2006.
Stephen Reso began his musical career in his early teens in Thibodaux, LA his hometown just shy of an hours drive Southwest of New Orleans. Performing in local clubs as a keyboardist/guitarist in various cover bands, Stephen soon began writing his own material having been heavily influenced by song-driven pop/rock bands like the The Beatles, Cheap Trick, The Producers and The Replacements.
In 1990 Underground Cartoons was formed and became an important outlet for Stephen’s dark, but catchy pop songs. In 1992 the band relocated to Harrisburg, PA to take advantage of the city's unique logistics. The city is only 1–3 hours driving distance from Philadelphia, DC, the New Jersey shore and New York City.
The band’s popularity grew rather quickly in their new surroundings and soon they were recording their first record, “Shoot For The Sky” which was produced by Jeff Murphy of THE SHOES. The CD was released in 1993 and many of the songs soon found there way onto TV shows such as MTV’s The Real World (Miami) and CBS’s Guiding Light as well as many compilations like THE BAM BALAM EXPLOSION VOL. IV – USA Power Pop Compilation. On YELLOW PILLS Volume 2 – More Of The Best Of American Pop the band was featured along side such notable artists as Material Issue, the Posies and Matthew Sweet.
The band disbanded in 1996 and Stephen went solo. After a deal with one label fell through, his manager sent a demo tape to Indian at Gig Records who signed Stephen to his record label. His debut for the label, “Ordinary Life”, was recently released and features a strong collection of pop/rock songs.
*Tracks from 'ORDINARY LIFE' are currently being featured on MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge.
SRB is curently putting the finishing touches on their latest album to be released fall 2006.
WEB SITE: WWW.STEPHENRESO.COM
CONTACT:
Kristy A. Mullen @ Tab Media, Inc.
Ph: 610.322.7551
Fax: 610.948.3727
Email: Kristy@tabmediainc.com
SRB: Stephen@stephenreso.com
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