REVIEW: Kenny Howes, Back To You Today (A.A.J.)
- Bill Holmes
Rickenbacker-wielding pop star Kenny Howes is back with his third record, yet another collection of ringing hooks and earnest vocals. The lo-fi production has its charms and drawbacks, sometimes framing songs in just the right minimalist setting but occasionally losing something in the fog bank. Overall, however, it’s another solid effort that sees Howes depart from his past formula and take a few chances.
The title track is certainly an example of his strong suit - bouncy chorus, solid hook and quick guitar break. This formula reaches its zenith on "Exactly Like You", a sing-along track that could lift a band out of the garage and onto a jukebox - even if it winds up being their only hit. The simple, fuzzy guitar break is perfect and you can almost see the audience swaying and hand-clapping along to the "Cathy's Clown" beat. And underneath it all, Kenny's trying to land a new girl by shredding all those losers he's hit on before - like THAT will work.
Sometimes the stretches don't synch - "Something Really Great" sounds like Dylan doing the Monkees' "Randy Scouse Git", for example, and "Save You" is muddled angst. But "Never Left" sounds like the bonus track on the Pet Sounds box set, and the epic closer "Free Tattoo" sounds like Moon and Townsend sat in on the session.
Cohesive it's not - I think Kenny had a lot of snippets of ideas when he hit the studio and went for broke. Although you might find yourself skipping a tune here and there, there is enough immediate gratification to bring you back again, which is when you'll discover the chestnuts that appeal to you. Howes played everything but drums (kudos to Kelly Shane) and wrote all the songs, and is a talent deserving your ear time.
For more information about Kenny Howes, set your browser to http://www.mindspring.com/~tchristoh/kenny .
