Ronnie D’Addario – Written By
This 13-song set, written by New York City-born Ronnie D’Addario, features multi-instrumentalists The Lemon Twigs – Brian & Michael D’Addario, who also produced the Written By (Dropped Dec. 5/Omnivore Recordings/40:48).
The songs include guest singers such as Todd Rundgren, Sean Ono Lennon & 3 others. For one thing, the introductory instrumental “Intromental” is a delightful, short & sweet piece. For the most part, the music is intentionally retro. Lots of Beatlesque melodic runs, Beach Boy harmonies, & vocals from the ‘70s. Think Belouis Some (“I Don’t Mind At All”), Stackridge (anything) & Tears for Fears. The orchestration on “A Very Short Dream” isn’t bloated but heartwarming.
The samba-oriented “Be Like Him” isn’t exactly radio-friendly, but we’re not in the experimental ‘60s anymore. This, otherwise, would’ve had a creative charting chance. What am I talking about? In the 60s, the charts were innovative & varied. It had Paul Muriat’s “Love Is Blue,” the Singing Nun’s “Dominque,” the New Vaudeville Band’s “Winchester Cathedral, Whistling Jack Smith’s “I Was Kaiser Bill’s Batman,” all successful chart runs despite charted hits by the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Kinks & the Who.
“Not Today” sparkles with the pop-sensibility of the Cowsills with a Peter & Gordon/Chad & Jeremy vocal flare. There are shades of horns & cellos ala The Beatles as well. Todd Rundgren joins on the not-too-sugary “I See the Patterns” with its English music hall skillful pop thread that runs through many of the tunes. None is novelty-infected.
Today’s music isn’t strongly melodically driven. It’s more rhythmic & groove blended. So, to younger ears, these songs may sound dated. But the precise performance isn’t an imitation. It’s a mash-up of past musical styles with a formidable arrangement that brushes by & “reminds” older listeners of other artists. “Don’t Wait For Yesterday” has an impressive Beach Boys sound.
“My Old Self Again” teeters on the harmonies & orchestration that’s mindful of The Beaver Brothers’ “Ventriloquisms” LP & features their incredible “You’ll Never Believe It,” with its more dramatic orchestral arrangement & intense production.
The sole rocker is “If I Were You.” Proof that they could do it if they had to. If you’re a bit nostalgic, this set won’t disappoint your ears.
Highlights – “Intromental,” “A Very Short Dream,” “Not Today,” “I See the Patterns,” “Don’t Wait For Yesterday,” “My Old Self Again,” “Heavenly Night” & “If I Were You.”
Musicians – Ronnie (guitar/organ/vocals/harmonies/bass/bgv), Michael D’Addario (drums/vocals/harmonies/tambourine/bells/bass), Probyn Gregory & Cameron Carrella (trumpets), Brian D’Addario (vocals/organ/cello/chimes/guitar/synth/piano/drums/electric piano/marimba/mandolin/bass/fretless bass/harmonies/bgv), Todd Rundgren & Sean Ono Lennon (lead vocals/harmonies), Mac DeMarco & Matt Jardine (vocals), Darian Sahanaja (vocals/bgv), Katie Sheele (oboe) & Kaitlin Wolfberg (violin).
An 8pp stitched insert is included. CD @ Bandcamp & https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/written-by/
