The Spindles – Past And Present

Past And Present lives up to its name with an entertaining mix of new original material and a few well-chosen cover versions of vintage songs. The Spindles specialize in power pop and have been a participant at International Pop Overthrow – Chicago for a number of years. Vocalist-guitarist Jeff Janulis is also a founding member (with Michael Steven Cohen) of another IPO – Chicago standout The Abbeys.

Janulis wrote all of the new stuff here, and while he knows how to craft the standard love and heartache songs, he’s also able to put more sensitive subject matter to catchy arrangements. “I Want My Baby Back” shows us a guy at the funeral of a wife or girlfriend, wondering what he could have done to prevent her suicide. “Almost The Same” is from a parent’s point of view and concerns a son or daughter who’s run off in search of fame and trouble.

On the happier side, “Whenever We’re Together” is a spritely celebration of long-lasting romance, and “If I Fall In Love” is pure, mid-1960s style fun. The Spindles also throw in a faithful take on The Hollies’ classic hit “Look Through Any Window,” complete with ringing guitars and impressive harmonies. “Young Heart,” a song penned by Brad Steakley and originally intended to be on an album by The Elvis Brothers, offers some fun and helpful tips about staying cool while getting older. Steakley plays drums on the track, and his former Elvis Brothers mates Graham Walker and Rob Newhouse pop up separately throughout Past And Present. The Spindles pay homage to The Elvis Brothers with a rollicking version of the fast and funny “Santa Fe.”