Bart Davenport has assembled a brand-new band called Bart and the Bedazzled. One is reminded of ’70s pop-singer Stephen Bishop and ’80s New Wave bands like the Korgis and the Style Council, if you mashed them all up into one solid group. Blue Motel, their 11-song debut album, has also been described as yacht rock, though I find that a bit of an odd term. I guess because of its laid-back, breezy pop sounds? Oh well, different strokes for different folks.
“The House That Built Itself,” this album’s fine first single and music video, is the best evidence of Bart and the Bedazzled’s jangly, plucky, smooth guitar/synth direction. It’s a seductive, danceable sound. The sleek ballad “Life Under water” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Top-40 / Adult Contemporary pop radio back in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
The Style Council could’ve easily recorded the soul/pop jazzy stylings of Bart and the Bedazzled’s mid-tempo “Your Sorrow,” and probably had a modest hit with it. A shimmering coming-of-age tale for 20-somethings here in the 21st century could borrow “Grownups” as a new their theme song. Now, here’s a new idea: “Halloween by the Sea.” I like how it floats onto shore in this lovely but sad and moody ballad. Meanwhile, Stephen Bishop’s mellow pop balladry is recalled in the tranquil and meditative “Life Under Water.”
“What’s Your Secret (Cleo)” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a Haircut 100 album, since it’s in that band’s unique style. Bart and the Bedazzled’s mid-tempo title track really sets the shimmering, dreamy mood that floats throughout Blue Motel (Lovemonk/Burger/Legere Records). Even a mid-tempo song like “Your Sorrow” is uplifting and flowing.
If you miss those mellow, soft rock sounds by the aforementioned bands from from late ’70s and early ’80s, with a bit of a jangly beat thrown, then you’re gonna love Bart and the Bedazzled.
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