The Sound He Appears To Make

Illinois musician Herb Eimerman has plenty of experience crafting melodic and meaningful power pop music, and he continues that tradition with his new single “Years Behind You.” His depiction of one generation passing its knowledge on to the next is reminiscent of Graham Nash’s “Teach Your Children” from the first Crosby, Stills and Nash album. Eimerman’s 12-string Rickenbacker strumming reaches further back, to the classic hit singles of The Byrds. He also plays acoustic and bass guitar on the recording. Long-time collaborator Joe Algeri (they’re both founding members of The Britannicas) helps out on drums and backing vocals, while Gavin Eimerman adroitly adds layers of guitar strumming. Most importantly, Herb Eimerman’s positive message of enjoying life to its fullest and watching younger people “grow in love” is very much needed in these troubled times. “Years Behind You” will be available on Herb Eimerman’s Bandcamp page this Friday.

Chicago guitarist-bassist Brett Ratner’s debut EP Cityscapes, which became available on Bandcamp last Friday, offers an adventurous trio of instrumentals. Technically, the engaging “Caribbean Street Fest” features Monica da Silva’s playful vocals, but she’s not singing actual words. “Biking At Night” is a shimmering mix of jazz and blues that conjures a nocturnal vibe, while “Speedy Delivery” takes a faster, more rock and roll approach. If these songs seem well-suited for a soundtrack, it’s probably because Ratner has extensive experience composing for TV shows and movies. Drummer Larry Beers and harmonica-keyboards player Derrick Procell are also onboard for this enjoyable trip.

Let ‘Er Rip, the second solo album from Alaskan singer-songwriter Mark Ward, is now available in CD and digital formats on his Bandcamp page. It comes recommended from Paul Collins of The Nerves and Paul Collins Beat fame, and offers power pop gems such as the first single “I’ve Been Around,” as well as “Pixie Girl” and “Love Me Once Again.” Ward recorded the bulk of these 15 songs himself, with help from Dylan Mandel on drums throughout, as well as various guest musicians and vocalists. While power pop seems to be Ward’s main focus, he also does well with the genuine and fun country twang of “Villain” and “The River,” and serves up emotionally complex ballads such as “I’m Ready” and  and “Wasted On My Own Again.”