| Good Music For Good People |
|
|
Tripsitter - California Son |
Here's an old friend - well, not that old, but it's not been around on the
Not Lame site for some time but now it's back! This is a 2004 release
where the promise of their (out of print) EP was more than realized!
Gorgeous harmony drenched green vallies of vocals(think Jellyfish mixed with
Jeffrey Foskett styled Beach Boys stylings), poptastically ritualistic hooks
that only a true pop fan could craft and enchanting songs at all turns. Fans
of Wondermints, Jellyfish, Brian Wilson, Jeffrey Foskett and Ben Folds Five
will love this, fact, truth-hood with all its churchy, spiritual vocal
driven pop codas! There`s a soaring injection of California pop sun on all
the material here that excavates the Beach Boy/Wilson charms so many Not
Lamers can`t resist. Well, don`t, this is a gem. "a fascinating amalgam of
sounds; from harmonies as deep as the Pacific Ocean to guitar that will rip
into you, then cool you off better than the afternoon trade winds. There is
no doubt of Tripsitter`s influences and band leaders and vocalists Jon and
Jeff Celentano are unapologetic. Sure, Brian Wilson`s harmonies pervade, and
Ben Folds` piano attacks ring on this disc, but what they have done is
create something completely their own, while still honoring the greats of
the past."-CollegeWeb. "Try to picture mid-seventies Beach Boys
influenced tunes as sung by Gerry Rafferty and you`ll get a pretty good idea
of the sound of this Vegas band. Their harmonies are among the most stellar
you will ever hear! They played the International Pop Overthrow show and
floored everyone with their harmonies."-David Bash, founder IPO. " With
each successive track, California Son reveals the major influences behind
each of Tripsitter¹s band members. Imagine the Beatles crossing over with
the Beach Boys. Terrific harmonies, soothing sounds, and well-thought out
lyrics lie within each of the tracks, with the exception of Intro, Outro,
and Wavestrumental, which are all instrumental. Play these songs for any
member of the 60s and 70s generation and they will swear that this group
originated at that time. They would be amazed to discover that California
Son was produced in 2004."-Gpop.net. "Tripsitter`s Jeff and Jon
Celentano have pitched their tent between 10cc and Gerry Rafferty, with the
High Llamas and Grant Lee Phillips, and for their sake I sure hope someone
notices. These times aren`t particularly friendly to Tripsitter`s brand of
1960`s and 70`s styled pop, the successes of Ben Folds and John Mayer
notwithstanding, and while I can imagine talking Steely Dan with these
fellows until Jimmy Carter comes home, I can also imagine a crowd of emo
brats talking over their entire set. The music tips the odds in their favor.
"California Son" is one of the best-produced records I`ve ever heard come
out of a Vegas band. The songs are layered with smooth harmonies and have
backgrounds deeper than the Pacific; these are not so much pop songs as
pint-sized symphonies, rich with color and emotion. The Celentano`s
obviously adore Brian Wilson-they cover "Love and Mercy" as an unlisted
bonus track-and they do well by him, perhaps too well. None of this matters,
however, when you`re deep in "California Son". The record quite literally
speaks for itself; it is exactly what it seems to be. If Tripsitter isn`t to
become a Big Thing, it`s only because popular music today is too damn
small."- LasVegasWeekly. Yes, indeed, Extremely Highly Recommended!
 Banana Split - mp3
Positively Thomas - mp3
Califorani Son - mp3
There Goes The Sun - mp3
Let Me Know You - mp3 |
| Customer Reviews |  | |
| "...a slice of pure pop majesty" | |
| Reviewer: Aaron Archer | | By its very definition, "pop music" means "that which is currently popular among the listening demographic," particularly teenagers with Mom and Dad's disposable income at the ready. When talking to a true fan of music both past and present, however, the term means something altogether different. It calls to mind the sterling, mini-symphonies of such luminaries as the Beatles, the Beach Boys, R.E.M. and a deluge of other bands who set the template for this genre back in the '60s. California Son, by local quintet Tripsitter, is unabashedly pop in every sense of the word, and makes no apologies for being utterly anachronistic in the modern age of plastic-fantastic sampled pap. It's also simply stunning to find a release by a local act that doesn't come across as gauche and could easily stand up to the quality and scrutiny of a band from any top regional scene. The Las Vegas group's love for the majesty of Brian Wilson and Lennon and McCartney is evident from the first press of the play button. The 13-track disc's "Intro" offers stellar, five-part vocal harmonies that set the stage for the band's core sound. "Let Me Know You" is a slice of pure pop majesty that sounds like a long lost outtake from Rubber Soul or Revolver. Driving piano lines reminiscent of the Fab Four's "Drive My Car" propel a sweetly ascending chorus melody. The bouncy title track adds a pinch of minor-key melancholy, recalling the piano pop of Elton John or Ben Folds. For an independent local release, the quality of the production is surprisingly lustrous, with the densely packed harmonies dominating the mix. Criticism can only be leveled at the fact that the guitars could use a bit of a kick in the ass. The songwriting of vocalist/keyboardist Jeff Celentano and vocalist/bassist Jon Celentano displays all the hallmarks of their heroes without coming off as mere pastiche. |
|
| | |
| "Simply perfect pop..." | |
| Reviewer: Bret Whedon | | If I had my way, the Beach Boys would have retired in oh, say, 1974, and instead of foisting 15 Big Ones on an unsuspecting public, would have just soaked up some rays, done some surfing, and then once they'd all unwound a little bit, they could've put out an album like California Son, which is the finest, sunniest, most California sounding CD I've heard in a long, long time. Listening to this album brought back powerful memories of the West coast, with all the easy, laid-back effervescence that living in the Sunshine State evokes. Tripsitter have perfectly captured the good vibrations of the California Mythos, and personally have more than a few resemblances to the Beach Boys: a five-piece band, containing two brothers, and some simpatico friends who obviously share a love of harmony singing, they write their own music, play their own instruments, and weave a spell-binding magic in their music. They're not shy of acknowledging their progenitors either: they incorporate an acappella "Intro" and "Outro" which opens and closes the album in "Our Prayer"-like manner, or interpolate parts of "When I Grow Up To Be A Man" into the title track; or the "'Til I Die" vibes found on the instrumental "Wavestrumental" (love the title); or by doing their own vocal sampling of the harmony tag of "Be Here In The Morning" on "Last September." But these artists aren't Beach Boys clones - they're far more relaxed, and their influences also seemingly incorporate The Eagles, The Beatles, and The Carpenters, but not in overt ways - the album just breathes out a sweet, peaceful feeling, and alternately incorporates jazz, blues, or folk influences with remarkable fluidity. Other songs that trip my wires: "Transformation", "On and On", and the post-"Outro" benediction "Just A Little". Simply perfect pop. Check this album out at CDBaby, Tower Records, and be sure to stop by their website and say hi. Meanwhile, I'm going to play this disc over again and hope they have plans to catch a second wave of sweet, California music. |
|
| | |
| Both Tripsitter and California Son are first class all the way!! | |
| Reviewer: David Bash | | Finding a good pop band in Las Vegas is as difficult as spotting the proverbial needle in a haystack, but said needle sparkles in that city’s sun in the form of Tripsitter, a five-piece ensemble who embody the spirit of their coastline brethren with California Son, a disc replete with tantalizing harmonies and melodies. The songwriting team of Jeff and Jon Celentano have their finger firmly on the pulse of a sound that falls neatly between Light Album-era Beach Boys, Seals & Crofts, and Gerry Rafferty. As Brian Wilson always strived for with his albums, every song on California Son becomes a gas! The best of the lot are “Let Me Know You” with its soaring harmonies and thrilling counterpoint melodies, the pretty waltz “Last September,” the gorgeous title track, and a tune that definitely lives up to its title of “Divine”. Both Tripsitter and California Son are first class all the way, and lovers of this kind of sound will have their breath taken away. www.tripsitter.net David Bash |
|
| | |
| "pint sized symphonies" | |
| Reviewer: Geoff Carter | | Tripsitter's Jeff and Jon Celentano have pitched their tent between 10cc and Gerry Rafferty, with the High Llamas and Grant Lee Phillips, and for their sake I sure hope someone notices. These times aren't particularly friendly to Tripsitter's brand of 1960's and 70's styled pop, the successes of Ben Folds and John Mayer notwithstanding, and while I can imagine talking Steely Dan with these fellows until Jimmy Carter comes home, I can also imagine a crowd of emo brats talking over their entire set. The music tips the odds in their favor. "California Son" is one of the best-produced records I've ever heard come out of a Vegas band. The songs are layered with smooth harmonies and have backgrounds deeper than the Pacific; these are not so much pop songs as pint-sized symphonies, rich with color and emotion. The Celentano's obviously adore Brian Wilson-they cover "Love and Mercy" as an unlisted bonus track-and they do well by him, perhaps too well. None of this matters, however, when you're deep in "California Son". The record quite literally speaks for itself; it is exactly what it seems to be. If Tripsitter isn't to become a Big Thing, it's only because popular music today is too damn small. Geoff Carter- Las Vegas Weekly |
|
| | |
| Impeccably crafted California pop | |
| Reviewer: Josh Bell | | Beach Boys-obsessed local popsters Tripsitter return with their second disc, a sunny, light collection of layered pop tunes befitting its title. Brothers Jeff and Jon Celentano write mostly catchy songs in the vein of '60s and '70s California pop, and while their sound is derivative, it's impeccably crafted and worth a listen if you need something to wash down that Smile reissue with. |
|
| | |
| "unlike any other modern band out there" | |
| Reviewer: Laurie Biagini | | Tripsitter - California Son
I must say that ever since this album arrived in the mail, I've been playing it non-stop. It's THAT good. The songs are very well-written, with beautiful melodies that are catchy and addictive. The smooth, flowing vocals with flawless harmonies pull you in with no chance of escape (not that one would want to!). The instrumental backing also is extremely interesting on its own and each of the players gets his own chance to shine. I'm extremely impressed by this band. Perhaps it is because their music takes all the best elements from the greats of the past and combines them into one perfect package and ends up with a product that is unlike any other modern band out there.
1. Intro - Gorgeous, full harmonies slowly bring you into this album with a psychodelic flair
2. Let Me Know You - Bright, optimistic romantic little tune, upbeat and catchy. Guitars and piano are prominent stars in the backing track. Beautiful vocals and harmony.
3. Banana Split - This song lyrically is quite funny and lighthearted. Has a good rockin' tempo with a little funky edge to it, all smoothed together with gorgeous harmonies.
4. Transformation - My favorite track on the album. This song has one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. Nice contrast between smooth keyboards and guitar distortion. The acoustic guitar also adds a little spanish flair. The mood of this song creates the feeling of drifting on a cloud. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
5. California Son - An instant hit. Bright and upbeat, with a smooth, dreamy chorus. Instumentation is excellent. Gorgeous layered vocals with angelic harmonies woven throughout.
6. Wavestumental - Brilliant little instrumental featuring liquid-like vibes, a very sexy saxophone leading the melody. The feeling from this song is that of being on the water, in a tropical locale on a calm day, with not a care in the world. Very pretty.
7. Last September - Stunning waltz with a melody that carries you on a wonderful journey. Tempo change in the bridge creates an interesting interlude, and then returns back to waltz style. I especially love the vocal harmonies in the ending of the song, as it reminds me very much of the stylings of the Beach Boys.
8. There Goes the Sun - A beautiful waltz, very soft, romantic and dreamy. Wonderful showcase of piano and full harmonies with a beautiful guitar bridge. I love the chord progressions in this song.
9. Positively Thomas - A fun song with some interesting tempo transitions. Piano is wonderful in this one. Mood is humorous.
10. Divine - Slow and romantic, this song sounds like it is being transmitted from another realm. The chorus has some 'divine' harmonies.
11. On and On - Funky little number with some killer piano and some cool chord progressions. The melody and tempo of this song create a mood that is very fitting to the lyrics.
12. Outro - Beautiful little vocal fade out showcasing some impeccable harmonies.
13. Just a Little - Sweet ballad with gorgeous piano flourishes. This song just oozes romance. Beautiful lead vocal. |
|
| |
|
|
