Eli & Young Band
Eli & Young Band
By Jud Block
 One of my favorite
aspects of the music world has always been the influences bands
will claim in order to legitimize themselves as being rooted
in anything except whatever the current trend might be in any
given era. Of course, these days everyone is either a convenient
devotee of garage rock or soul - - depending, it seems, on the
individual's or group's facility in procuring a bass player.
But even this recent trend pales in comparison to the amusement
I get from the late '60s and '70s when every scone-eatin'-tea-swillin'
white British musical dandy with hair past the collar laid claim
to the blues. Naturally, being the reverent sort that I am, I
won't name any names, but think blimps and coffee additives.
Oh, certainly, on occasion these bands would hit upon a decent
blues riff or even cover a classic blues song, but their claims
of influence lie more along the lines of a wishful idolatry than
in anything substantive. So, what is the point of this tangent,
except for the chance to take a few shots at venerated classic
rock fossils? Well, it's pretty much this - - the Eli & Young
Band don't make any claims for their music whatsoever, yet on
their outstanding debut, the hybrid influences are at once noticeable
and blended to form a distinctive sound.
Whatever is responsible for bringing Michael Eli and James
Young together - - whether it be God, Fate, depravity, or a shared
cell - - needs to be bought a round or two because along with
Bryan Tyler, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson, they have produced
one of the more pleasant musical surprises I have come across
in quite a while. Having either written or co-written all eleven
tracks, Eli & Young manage to combine elements of rock, country,
pop, and folk into a unique style that is all their own. As I
listened to this disc I couldn't help but think that there are
many current, more experienced songwriters who could learn a
thing or two from these guys.
The opening track, "I'm in Love," is of the roadhouse
burner variety. It is definitely not country-rock but it does
have elements of both. The roaring, bouncing guitar riff that
carries the song has a twang to it, but it also provides that
ephedra rush integral to any rock song worth its cojones. And
while the lyrics will never be mistaken for, say, a lost Brent
Best or James McMurtry composition, at least they're not insulting
to the intellect.
I'm in love
And I said I'm crazy
Yeah, babe, you shake me through and through
I'm in love
I said, and I'm falling
Hear heaven calling me and you
"Show You How to Love Again" is a fine bit of amplified
folk, reminding me a lot of David Wilcox's experiments with electricity.
Even the vocals have a similarity to Wilcox's smooth baritone
and phrasings. The gritty guitar work, which never overpowers
the song, complements and serves to emphasize the lyrics, which
deal with the frustration usually associated with someone's best
intentions.
I don't care, you can live your life alone
I was only trying to show you how to love again
Trying to try to chip away your heart of stone
I was only trying to show you how to love again
On to a more pop landscape, "Know I Would" is the
kind of summer's day sound that can be imagined blasting beachside,
poolside, or driving down the road with the windows down. It's
a simple feel-good song with just enough of a Charlie Robison
vibe to delineate it from kindercore. The perfect song for when
the rum hits you just right.
If I ever got that '56 that I always wanted
I'd drive down to LA
Cruise along some beachfront road
Playing Surfin' USA
If I ever won the lottery
I'd buy a house in the hills
I'd give some of it to charity
And I'd spend the rest of it on thrills
The song that really grabbed my attention on this exceptionally
strong collection was "When You Come My Way." The reason
is very simple: The beginning of the song bears a strong resemblance
to Slobberbone's "That Is All." And while the Eli &
Young Band will never be confused for that North Texas juggernaut,
when those guitars kick in it's like listening to a damn good
version of Slobberbone Lite. A song about reunion that includes
a little reflection combined with alcohol and hard guitars, what's
not to like?
When you come down my way
Here I hope you'll stay
Maybe for a while
Not just a day
When you come down my way
I haven't seen you in so long
There's a lot to get caught up on
Pull up a chair
Pour a drink that's strong
Haven't seen you in so long
The Eli & Young band are an aberration in that their influences
are readily discernible, but their sound is all their own. They
don't make claims they can't back up; hell, they don't make any
claims at all. And on Eli & Young Band, that all adds
up to nothing less than great music.
www.eli-young-band.com
Contact Jud Block at jud-at-rockzilla.net
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