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Non-Prog CD Reviews

The Stollers

Stationary Sun

Review by Gary Hill

This is an intriguing set. There is a real classic element at play, but they make a lot of wiggle room around that. Pop music would be the best description, but even that is only so accurate. I’ll say that there is a bit of processing on the vocals at one or two points that I found a little off-putting, but beyond that, this is quite an effective disc.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2016  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Into The Brand New Day

The opening to this feels like one part Christmas music and one part Beatles. It drops to a more folk based sound from there. Comparisons to Simon and Garfunkel are not out of the question. This gets some more pop rock built into it later, too.

Only a Penny
The vibe on this has a lot of 1970s rock built into it. I suppose Paul Simon is a good reference here, too. I can see some comparisons to Steely Dan being made, too. This is a fun number that’s a bit less folk oriented than the opener was.
Open Your Eyes
There are some female vocals added to the mix here. This is very much a folk styled cut with a decided 1970s rock vibe to it.
Loredana
There is a jazzy groove to this. It has some funk and some psychedelia built into it, as well. This is one of my favorite cuts of the set. It’s just such a classy rocker. I love the jazzy jam mid-track.
You Can Come Home (With Me)
With folk music, country and more merged, this even makes me think of the Grateful Dead a little.
Culture War
Now, this really makes me think of Steely Dan. It’s an energized rocker with an important message.
Between the Sun and the Moon
We’re back into distinctly folk based territory here. This has picked acoustic guitar as the basis of the music. The vocals come in over the top of that. Some other layers of sound are added later to create more magic.
Food in the Morning Blues
The mix of country music, rock and modern pop here is seamless. The female backing vocals add something. I like the country guitar soloing, too. This is a classy tune. It’s bouncy, tasty and fun.
Without Your Love
This has a classic vibe to it. It’s energetic and effective. 
Song for Ann
A mellower cut, this really has a great classic rock vibe. It’s one of the stronger pieces of the set.
The Two Julians
There is a real progressive rock element at play here. This is classy stuff for sure. It’s quite complex with some Spanish guitar on display at points, some country at others. It’s dynamic and complex, but flows well.
Water Wheel
This piano solo is evocative, quite pretty and has a real classical bent to it.

 

 
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