Comments for Grays, The, Ro Sham Bo

Got this album after being introduced to Jellyfish. Thing is, this album is great has all the right ingredients for a unreal sounding album. Always liked Jason's guitar work on the Jellyfish stuff, and his solo lead vocals are cool too. Highlights are : Very Best Years, Everybody's World, and Both Belong. Actually, Jason has a new solo LP out in August so that'll be on my shopping list for sure!

Easily the best release of 1994, "Ro Sham Bo" manages to retain the classic psychedelic feel of the Beatles' "Revolver" and Big Star while sounding firmly grounded in a 90's pop sensibility; truly, this is alternative rock, not the assembly-line grunge currently on MTV. Great songs, well played, the Grays are part of a select but unfortunately relatively obscure school of inspired pop artists including Aimee Mann, XTC and Michael Penn, all of whom share a keen ear for melodic songwriting with a modern edge. Tragically, this was the Grays' only album. Buy it before it gets deleted.

Can't...seem to...get this...disc outa...the player...Must put...new disc...in before...divorced...Love my wife...but... can't seem to...get disc...outa player...

Legitimately belongs in the pure-pop "underground" (how strange for such accessible music) of XTC, Jellyfish, Ben Folds Five, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Squeeze et al. This melodic and interesting album is like three EP's from three of its members, who each contribute 4 or 5 songs and lead vocals. My faves are the Jason Falkner and Jon Brion tunes. This is also part of the ever-growing Jellyfish family tree (because Jason played guitar on "Bellybutton" and Jon Brion guested on "Spilt Milk") that also includes: Jason Falkner's excellent solo album, Umajets stellar pop album "Demolition" which is still inexplicably hard to find (mine's a German import), the Merrymakers (the Swedish band whose most recent disc was produced by Andy Sturmer and features his playing and some co-writing on the Japanese version!). The Grays is great, but it's been deleted recently, so run out and find it before it vanishes from the bins. Incidentally, Jon Brion, formerly of 'Til Tuesday and major player on Aimee Mann's solo work, is a hot commodity on the LA club scene. Big buzz around his upcoming June solo album. I'm sure it will be stellar whenever it appears. He also plays on Brian Stevens' "Prettier Than You" album, which is also worth tracking down if you're into this genre.

Ro sham Bo is well crafted, energetic and rather charming song writting with the perfect production. Falkner is singing at his best and at times reminds me some what of the late Kevin Gilbert. In addition to the very obvious beetles influance, there''s an almost progessive pop quality to a few of the songs, not unlike Toy Matinee. I enjoy and will continue to enjoy this album for many years.

Probably the most surprising thing about the Grays, is they aren`ton an Apple label. If there is a school of Apple Corp musiciansthe Grays must have graduated Summa Cum Laude. Their sound isdistinctively influenced by Lennon, McCartney, and Hamm.Jason Falkner - Vocals Guitars Bass KeyboardsJon Brton - Vocals Guitars Keybords BassBuddy Judge - Vocals GuitarsDan McCarroll - DrumsThe licks are their own, but they did do their homework. This wholealbum is reminiscent of the best of the Beatles and Badfinger. Themost notable songs are the single "Very Best Years" which had avideo out last year, "Friend of Mine," "Same Thing" and "Not Longfor This World." The most familiar song would be "Everybody`s World"which is definately "Rain" from the Beatles. The most rocking songis "Oh Well Maybe." I can`t get it out of my head. Wish I knew thewords...