Music
Press
Some find it remarkable, but it is nevertheless true that far more local CDs are released than there are weeks in a year. Thus, due to the nature of my column, in which I usually deconstruct just a single disc, they can pile up. For some, I feel little remorse — there are perfectly good albums about which I find I have nothing to write. For others, however, I do suffer pangs of regret.
So, here, thanks to a rescheduling of the new Area Code 207 release (see “Sibilance”) and a nod toward spring cleaning, are some albums I wish I’d written something about earlier.
Loveless, The Streaking Healys
It’s been a while since this area’s been introduced to a new alt-country band, but the Healys do their best to recall Uncle Tupelo, with much of the wry humor Diesel Doug and the Long Haul Truckers used to captivate Portland for much of the late 1990s. Like the Truckers, they can be fairly Nashville from time to time, but the tunes are generally over the top enough to let you know there’s irony intended.
“Anyway” is the single, with Steve Black using a pretty piano to back vocals that are particularly nice when he tosses off the “anyway” that ends most lines. It’s a lonely singalong ballad and well-timed mid-album. Directly following a tune about a “neon redneck mama,” it’s a good reminder these guys are serious about their music.
Late in the disc, the Healys show some versatility, too, with a jam aesthetic infusing “Barstool Away from Heaven” and a ZZ Top vibe driving “I’ll Be Gone.” Fans of cowboy boots, grimy jeans, and Jack Daniel's ought to be pleased in general.
The Streaking Healys | Spectator’s, in Sanford | April 18 | www.thestreakinghealys.com
- Sam Pfiefle, Portland Phoenix
Discography
The Streaking Healys - Loveless Released August 2007
Can be heard on:
98.9 WCLZ Portland, ME
91.1 WBOR Brunswick, ME
90.1 MPBN Portland, ME
Photos
Bio
Building on the 2006 national recognition by the Songwriters Guild of America, singer/ songwriter, Steve Black of Harpswell has teamed up with mid-coast musicians to form “The Streaking Healys”. Black, who received a first place national award for his song, “Loveless” says the experience of his solo performances versus the band setting have been, “Night and day. For
instance I wrote, “Barstool away from Heaven” on a pizza box in Vancouver. In my head, I hear it as I wrote it originally when I was playing alone. Now, with the band the sound is fuller and better.”
The band's first album entitled “Loveless” was released August 7, 2007. It features eleven original songs that range from Black's bluesy award-winning title track to the love ballad, "Brooklyn Bed" to the hard-rockin', “I'll Be Gone".
Black teamed up with long time friend Aaron Despres who plays bass. Despres, of Harpswell played in blues and rock bands throughout college and graduate school. Their first collaboration, a rap song written in the sixth grade entitled, “The Apollo” did not make the CD but set the stage for a lifetime of friendship and the base for The Streaking Healys.
Kirk Niese of Pownal sits behind the drum kit for The Streaking Healys. He comes from a diverse
musical background that includes, most recently playing in a soca/calypso inspired steel drum band. Michael Trundy of Bath plays lead guitar with a background in blues and jazz. Black's instruments include piano, guitar and harmonica.
With musical influences including Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Phish, Steve Earle, Townes van Zandt, Tom Waits, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Streaking Healys have a very unique sound. Combine this sound with Black's award winning originals as well as rockin’ covers, the band engages audiences throughout the state.
The band can be reached by e-mail at thestreakinghealys@hotmail.com or by phone at 207-841-3158. Also, check them out at www.thestreakinghealys.com and www.myspace.com/thestreakinghealys.
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