REVIEW: From Good Homes, Open Up The Sky (RCA)

- Bob Gajarsky

Northwest New Jersey is not often confused with the midwestern part of the United States, but one listen to From Good Homes' major label debut, Open Up The Sky, might lead you to think that hoe-downs and good times have been a part of this band's life since day one.

The band's name has a bit of unique history itself. While working under the monicker of The Dogs, the band was asked to stop playing during a local gig. They went elsewhere for a few drinks and, upon returning to play one final song ("I.O.U." from the Replacements), found the club closed, with their instruments inside. A failed attempt to break in and rescue their instruments led to a hearing before a judge, who let them off with community service, and commenting that the band members were all "from good homes".

The variety of instruments utilized by the band, from the standard guitars and drums, to the different saxophone, melodica, fiddle, melodica, and harmonica is reminiscent to the selection of instruments used on John Mellencamp releases such as Big Daddy and Whenever We Wanted.

"Let Go" opens a la Alice In Chains' "No Excuses", but with no traces of a louder sound. The 7 minute long "Head" could easily have been a Beatles outtake from the White Album days, with the guitars replacing sitars, and "If The Wind Blows" blends two harmons - harmonica and harmonies - into one wonderful song. No singles have yet been released from this album although at least 4 or 5 potential hits are present.

While watching From Good Homes at a recent sold out show at New York City's Irving Plaza, many comparisons ran through this critic's head. Dan Myers' saxophone playing evoked thoughts of Kenny G; the addictive harmonies harkened to recent acts such as Toad the Wet Sprocket and Hootie and the Blowfishm, and the overall feel made it easy to understand why From Good Homes has supported the Dave Matthews Band. The crowd of more than 1,500 was dancing and singing along - and, each song left this listener longing for more.

"Hick pop" is what one New Jersey critic called From Good Homes. I'd label them as intelligent, fun-loving, good-times rock and roll - with just the right amount of a Midwest sound. Anyone got a picnic basket?