Red Guitar - Based On A Blue Story

Excellent find for Not Lamers. There are two classic, excellent releases by Red Guitar which we`re going offer at the same time as we`re too excited to break `em apart as they arrived on the same day. Both are must-haves for a lot of Not Lame folks. Just listen to the soundbites below. Fans of The Pernice Brothers, Del Amitri, The Connells, Michael Carpenter, World Party, Ice Cream Hands, classic Tom Petty and The Jayhawks. Sunny, bright, knee-throbbing harmonies and multi-layered guitars rising above all the pop sheen and glory. Every single song on both records are the type of great melodic song that would sound good on any radio from the pop-loving geek, soccer mom, indie-alt guy working at the local record store.

On Beauty Will Save The World" " Red Guitar has expanded their sound along with their membership to bring a very rich disc to us. Think of their sound in terms of the melodic parts of Wilco, like Summerteeth. Then add in just a little U2 or Coldplay vibe with strong songcraft and you begin to see the appeal of Beauty Will Save the World. The bands founders, singer-songwriters John McKenna and Nick Nave, have worked together since their early KU days making music in various ways. It is apparent that they have really hit upon a good mix with this lineup and these songs. The album is inviting and full of catchy hook filled American roots rockers that should play very well here in their Midwest stomping ground. The title track is full of punch and a nice guitar hook, you will be singing along halfway through the song. Come Down lays down a strong piano vibe reminiscent of Wilco. V-Day starts slow and builds to a perfect power finish. They also can play the atmospheric alt-rock. The last two tracks Ribbon and Place In the Sun are stunningly good, soaring songs that leave you wanting more more more. I have been listening to this disc since Ryan Patrick Imming told me about it a couple of months ago. In fact, RPI and Red Guitar recently shared a bill at the Grand Emporium. Hopefully a local promoter will get Red Guitar to Joetown soon. In the meantime go check out the bands website at www.red-guitar.com . You can link to mp3s, check out the bands Myspace page and get info on purchasing Beauty Will Save The World. If you like American music and alt-country you really owe it to yourself to check out Red Guitar, and dont forget the bands battle cry: Spread the Red!"-Mule News.

On "Baded On A Blue Story: "A charmingly simple Midwestern guitar-rock band that does all the little things right. Venturing into Tom Petty-esque Americana might spell disaster or blandness for less capable bands, but Red Guitar pull it off with gritty songwriting sensibilities, spotless harmonies and exacting arrangements. The group`s two singer/songwriters (John McKenna and Nick Nave) are virtually indistinguishable, using their gentle voices to harmonize and carry the melodies. The album drags a bit through the midpoint, but perks back up with the banjo-driven "Better Way to Move On" and the outstanding "California," a Petty-esque ballad with a killer acoustic guitar hook. "Aurora" closes the album on a high note, with delicate piano and an uplifting chorus. Red Guitar is the sort of band you might happen upon at a festival and actually put your chili dog down to listen to. They won`t be winning any hipster points for originality, but they`re certainly endearing enough to soften even the most jaded of listeners."-Lawrence.com.

" Jangle rock peaked about two decades ago, but Based on a Blue Story is a nice reminder of why people liked it so much the first, second and third time around. This Kansas City five-piece is centered on the harmony vocals of songwriters John McKenna and Nick Nave, who channeled the dusty, sweet harmonies of the Jayhawks and the `60s yearning of the Connells into a comfortable and comforting sound of their own. The band`s nondescript name comes from the mysterious song "Inarticulate Blue" (Heart like a red guitar/A red candle dreaming), and though not particularly marquee friendly, the tag does the band justice. Red Guitar isn`t afraid to sound mournfully pretty on "Rosemary" (the kind of song everyone wishes Ryan Adams would slow down and write) or the banjo-filled "Better Way to Move On." Its melancholy has enough depth to move into new territory opened up in the `80s, during the first "rediscovery" of Gram Parsons."-Pitch.com. Both albums solid "Grade A" all the way through! Don`s miss Red Guitar!

Jump Out Of The Water - mp3

Let`s Go Out - mp3

Inarticulate Blue - mp3

Dreaming Of The Fall - mp3

Sidewalks - mp3