Othes have noticed too.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Gar Francis Marc Anthony Fashion Collection 2012
Gar Francis is a Jersey rocker that over the years has created his own look.
Othes have noticed too.
Othes have noticed too.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
“Back in 1985” introduces us to more of a Rolling Stones/Americana influence
Gar Francis, Shine On EP
Gar Francis is a Garage
rock/Americana/Blues solo artist hailing from Belvidere, New Jersey with a long
list of accolades and credits to his name. He has received awards from The John Lennon
Song Contest, the Unisong Music
Awards, and an honourable mention
in the Billboard Song Contest. He’s
been writing, recording and playing live for decades, has written songs for the Doughboys, and Jeanne Lozier, as well as writing a tribute for the USA Armed Forces
and performing for them. Gar is a busy man, but my task today is to dig into
his brand new EP “Shine On”, which comes to us courtesy of Bongo Boy Records.
It’s 5 seconds in and I
have to pause to absorb this. Gar Francis knows how to rock, and he’s certainly
not content to phone in this performance, preferring rather to set the tone
with stomps, claps, distorted guitars and a gravelly, Tom Waits-type lead vocal that carries with it a true rock n’ roll
spirit. The energy has elements of punk rock and much of the vocals remind me
of Iggy Pop, which is a wonderful
thing. Authentic, well-written, and forceful. The production is top notch and the bass, guitars and
drums are all interesting; never missing a cue. The bellowing chorus refrain of
“Shine on” sounds like both a
rebellion and a celebration of life
and perseverance. Shine on, indeed.
“Back in 1985” introduces us to more of a Rolling
Stones/Americana influence, and no speed has been lost on our trek through
this EP. The celebratory, open-hearted aspects of Bruce Springstein’s work are evident in the sound here as well. Gar Francis’s voice is experienced and
unpredictable. He sounds vital and thoroughly energized as he reminisces
about 1985. This is a perfect example of remembering the good times without dwelling;
still seizing the moment, ready to have more fun.
“Blue Cadillac” is immediately cooler than cool; ice cold, in
case you didn’t guess. Rarely do you hear a classic sound as fully pepped up as this. If there ever
was highway music, music to turn up loud and get out of town, these twanging
guitars and peppy beat fit the bill. The destination would have to be some
dirty, southern rock bar with just a hint of danger. The kind of place where
anything could happen. Gar Francis croons “Rock with me, baby, in my blue
Cadillac” and shows the kind of swagger most would shy away from.
“Tragedy” brings a simple two-chord progression with a great lead guitar
line, the kind that Tom Petty would
take a liking to. The happy-go-lucky
feel of the music itself brings an intriguing dash of irony to the song,
which is about loss and hardship. And alas, this makes “Tragedy” an intriguing
piece, as Gar is taking the zen observer’s approach, or at least the wise
man’s perspective that “it happens to all of us”. There’s no reason to be
afraid because we are all in this together. A bona fide radio hit that I’d like to see spread for Mr. Francis.
Gar Francis closes this
5-track EP with “I’m Still Alive”,
and the energy hasn’t let up. With an explosive Stooges-type guitar bringing the bluesy punk, Gar screeches “I
remember different times when youth could stop a war. We were young but we were
right. No one gives a damn no more.”
Gar Francis’s EP “Shine
On” is recommended listening for any
rock n’ roll fans. It’s inspiring to hear this type of output coming from
anyone; Mr. Francis’s guttural Iggy
Pop-like delivery and genuine fire eclipses most music I’ve heard from
artists who are probably half his age. This really is a fantastic EP and I look
forward to the next full length for another rock fix.
Reviewed by Independent Music Promotions – james@independentmusicpromotions.com
"SHINE ON" new EP by Garage Rocker Gar Francis.
"SHINE ON" new EP by Garage Rocker Gar Francis.
Gar Francis sounds effortlessly vintage-cool
as he again proves what rock & roll sounds like from where it truly
originated - the garage. "Shine On" is the new EP from
singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer Gar Francis. Gar indeed shines his musical
talent through "clouds of pink majestic skies" as he uses lyrics like
"baby
boomers sit back and take view, graffiti masters Peter Max tattoos".
Yes, music world "Shine On" is here and with all the psychedelic rock coolness you
would expect from a rock & roll veteran.Produced by Gar Francis and Kurt Reil at the House Of Vibes. It's undoubtedly a
brilliantly consistent EP. It is obvious these five tracks are not only TV/film-synch ready, but a must have in your music collection.
SONG
TITLES
1. SHINE ON
2. BACK IN 1985
3. BLUE CADILLAC
4. TRAGEDY
5. I'M STILL ALIVE
The first track "Shine On" starts with
that 60's psychedelic groove.
Next comes "Back In 1985" with a 60's
type ballad feel reminiscent of a Phil Spector production.
"Blue Cadillac" is a bluesy groove with
production from the same inspiration as the Black Keys.
"Tragedy" is a pure 12 string guitar
based song about the equal opportunity everyone has in finding themselves
homeless.
And "I'm Still Alive" is an old Who type
song declaring that the child inside still remains many years after.
Band Members
GAR FRANCIS/VOCALS &
GUITARS, LEE FINK/GUITARS,
MIKE
CARUSO/BASS, ROCCO SCAVONE/DRUMS,
MYKE
SCAVONE/HARMONICA, KURT REIL/BACKING VOCALS.
Thank you for your
support,
Monique
email: mgrimme@aol.com
908-455-1576
Not In Hall of Fame - Articles: Live Music Head: Gar Francis
Not In Hall of Fame - Articles: Live Music Head: Gar Francis
Photo By Bruce Ferguson ( the Easy Outs)
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