Toting a guitar, a harmonious voice and a stash of scrumptious songs, Ray Paul holds the title as a power-pop forefather. That noted, the East Coast-based mover and shaker has been plying grand goods since the ’70s – and he continues to make vital music to this day.
Bloody Rubbish: The Best & Some of the Rest (Kool Kat Musik) is a smartly selected set of Paul’s picks to clicks throughout the past 40 years. Those already hip to his work will be pleased to finally hear these fine tunes on a single collection, while virgin ears are sure to become instant fans.
Ray Paul has always proudly flaunted his influences, which are rooted deep in British soil. While heavy shades of the Hollies, Badfinger, Paul McCartney and Liverpool Echo adorn his consciously crafted material, Paul writes and arranges songs that illuminate his own personality and creativity.
Posting a plucky presence cut of bracing riffs and miles of melody, “I Need Your Love Tonight” is the greatest Merseybeat hit that never was, and “How Do You Know” jangles and spangles with robust hooks and incisive grooves. “Lady Be Mine Tonight” rattles and rolls with rockabilly-seasoned rhythms, where “Keep It Confidential” twitches and turns with clean and lean new-wave expressions.
No matter what is hot on the charts, catchy guitar pop, played with purity and vibrancy, never dates, and both “Keep It Confidential” and “Brokenhearted” rein in as ideal illustrations of the idiom.
As an extra kick, Bloody Rubbish: The Best & Some of the Rest features a trio of previously unreleased tracks. Among these perks are the blues-branded pop rock of “Love Me.” There are also two live recordings, including “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye” and a cover of the ’60s garage punk classic “Open Up Your Door,” which was originally recorded by Richard and the Young Lions.
For decades, Ray Paul has remained incredibly loyal to the music he performs and his passion rings loud and clear in the spirited songs he composes. He is also the founder of the highly regarded Permanent Press label that fuels the fire of power pop connoisseurs all over the world.
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