Friday, August 11, 2006 , Updated
CD Review: Pegasus Now’s Careless Loveseeds
I have to admit, I was worried. I can’t help it. Whenever I see a song entitled "Tea for Two," I automatically think of No, No, Nanette and that annoying little ditty about "just tea for two and two for tea." Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Broadway ballad as much as the next guy, but this one will invade you mind to the point of debilitation.
Imagine my pleasant surprise then when I pressed play on Pegasus Now’s Careless Loveseeds and heard not Doris Day but rather a professional sounding rock intro, replete with guitars, keyboard, and drums, followed by catchy enough lyrics to dislodge the show tune from the repeat section of my brain. Pegasus Now’s “Tea for Two” is an upbeat, radio-worthy, alternative-tinged, love-inspired, opening track with appropriate amounts of crooning and references to the motherland. The bit about English mornings coming without warning is especially inspiring.
CD Release Shows
From there, the album seems to depart slowly from guaranteed pop crowd pleasers and ventures cautiously into the world of the experimentalâsometimes succeeding and sometimes evoking a proverbial "huh?" While perhaps not the most creative tune, "Stranger to the Dayes" should not be completely discarded and in fact becomes better with every listen. The unceasing chorus has a rather timeless quality about it--except, would someone care to explain why there’s almost a minute of dead time tacked onto the end of this song? There’s just some talking, some laughing, and I think someone mentions something being “funny as hell,” which I don’t doubt it was–if you were in the studio.
The final tracks seem to have high instrumentals to vocals ratios, and what singing there is tends to be overpowered by synthesized sounds of every variety. Not to say this isn’t exactly what some folks are looking for, it’s just such a strange and sudden departure from that opening track. While I can’t give personal testimony, I have a feeling Pegasus Now presents a powerful live show. They’re obviously filled with emotion and energy and I daresay even talent, but there’s some palpable essence that could probably be gained from a concert that is lacking on this CD. Despite the name of the album, Pegasus Now is anything but careless, but if they want commercial success (and who’s to say they do?), I suggest they spend less time delving into the grizzly mysteries and dark side of life, a la “Mr. Greycoat,” and stick closer to those clear English mornings.
strident, says:
you should really write for BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, you know that, don't you?
Anonymous
3 years, 3 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Kaitlin Parker, says:
I've never read "Better Homes," so no, I wouldn't know-- but since you seem to be familiar with their style and I think I'd be a good match, do you think you could get me a contact?
Staff
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Alan Cohen, says:
Better Homes And Gardens .... oh snap!
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Alan Cohen, says:
When you listen to this album, you gotta keep reminding yourself that this is Pegasus Now's first release. There is a reason why this band already has so much local buzz surrounding them.
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3 years, 3 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
hillgrneyes, says:
I have known the lead singer of Pegasus Now, Neu LeBlanc, for many years, and one of the things that I admire the most about him is that he is not like anyone else. He is definitely not a cookie cutter artist. He wants to sound unique and is actually fine with those that don't always understand his music, or his lyrics. I have heard people refer to his style as a "ONE TAKE" kind of artist. He doesn't want his music to sound too polished or rehearsed. Some of the most amazing music I have heard him perform was when he was just having a great time, just letting his guitar talk. He is a true artist in every sense of the word. His music sounds different every time he plays it. You have to listen to them live to experience what I am talking about. I don't think a recording studio could possibly capture his true essence. If you are looking for music that you can hear on ANY radio staion, then you might not be able to appreciate what you find on Pegasus Now's CD.
Anonymous
3 years, 3 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Alan Cohen, says:
Thats a really great observation. I have always felt that one of the things that makes music so powerful is the dirt. I think too often artists want things to sound perfect at the expense of feeling.
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