Boston Boy(s) Make Good

This post was submitted by Mike Dyer, the del facto founder of TNG's nacent Boston franchise.

Eli "Paperboy" Reed	Chester French

Two worthy acts making their home on the north bank of the Charles River (that's Cambridge, MA, formerly known as Newtowne, for anyone unacquainted with geography or American history) have found their way onto the cognoscenti music scene during the first half of this year: Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the Trueloves, and Chester French. Both of them are talented enough, and innovative enough, to warrant a close listen. (And not just because they, like myself, happen to call Boston home, meaning that among other things, to us the "reflecting pool" is this and not this. But, I digress…)

Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the Trueloves

He's been described as the "male Any Winehouse," but that doesn't fairly account for just how earnestly Eli Reed is pursuing Otis Redding's intimate wail ethos. Nor does it account for just how comparatively well-behaved he is. Fine that Miss Amy *sounds* like an early 1960s songstress, but Eli *feels* Redding-esque, like a 21st century Sam Cooke or Teddy Pendergrass. Not too shabby for a mild-mannered Boston boy.

The thing that makes his debut album incredible to me is that it manages to take a long glance back at Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett without coming off as referential or nostalgic (unlike Amy's Back to Black). And, when you're wailing over a sharp horn section and crispy guitar riffs, that's saying something. Eli somehow manages to find new musical ground to till here, and he does so with an energy that, like all great soul singers, makes you believe he's discovering the emotions behind the wail right there while he's singing…every time out.

This album is absolutely solid from top to bottom, and deftly oscillates between Otis-like intimate soul ballads and Wall-of-Sound 50s era rock-soul. Personal fave: "I'm Gonna Getcha."

Two other NBs: 1) He put out a 45 of the album, and it is, by far, the best way to listen, assuming anyone you know has a record player. (A what? Exactly.) 2) Eli's sweat-laden live performances/musical brushfire revivals could be a whole other post by themselves but, suffice it to say, they have more raw energy and musical ability (including the band's) than the already-powerful album conveys. Lucky for you, he's touring this summer.

Chester French

(Not to be confused with the duo's namesake, this Chester French)

One part Beach Boys. One part downbeat Weezer (or maybe early Cake, I can't decide.) And at least two parts self-indulgence. That, more or less, describes Chester French, Cambridge's alt-hipster sonorous cause celebre. Their Pharrell Williams-produced debut album isn't out yet, but a few tracks are available on their Myspace page.

I've been listening for a few weeks, and while I'm not sure it's quite deserving of all the praise, it is musically interesting and, dare I say, innovative. It's oddly pleasing to hear smooth, Beach-Blanket-Bingo melodies undulating beneath Brian Wilson-esque lyrics about a nymphomaniac girlfriend or, yes, Jimmy Choos. (Really? Two straight boys singing about footware? I know. What a fascinating and ambiguous modern age we live in.) Plus, you've got to give them credit for taking the Big Pony, popped collar gestalt out for a spin. (Musically, I mean. The Big Pony has obviously been making the rounds in the gay scene for a while now. In fact, it might have overstayed its welcome.) Style points aside, CF is musically debonnaire, even if it's not entirely my thing. Overall, I'm glad the Harvard boys are giving it the Old College Try, and I highly encourage you to give 'em a listen.