Draper, Terry: The Other Side

You may remember the name Terry Draper from the near mythical Canadian band Klaatu, who really got some attention north of the border when they formed in 1973. A few years later you may recall The Beatles controversary when it was reported the band was actually The Beatles…um, no they were not. Their last album Magentalane included the names of the band members for the first time, putting to rest any notion of the sort. I remember this quite clearly at the time, and I certainly was a fan, especially their first three albums. In 1982 the band called it quits and not much was heard from them again. Fast forward a couple years back when I was introduced to Draper’s 2019 effort In My Garden. It was kind of like time standing still and it was the mid 1970s all over again. What an enjoyable album that was and lo and behold I was fortunate enough to receive his 2021 effort titled The Other Side, his fourteenth release. It would seem Draper never really left, putting out albums on a semi regular basis these past few years, and we, good people, get to listen to his perfected brand of sophisticated pop rock.

On the album, Draper teams with a number of guests, most notably guitarists Bill Nadeau and Jamie Grant. I was in sync with this album almost immediately, the lush artful pop music just leaves me feeling fine, the laid-back grooves, tasty keyboards and guitar work, and Draper's low key vocal delivery is like getting together with an old friend. It recalls my formative years, long ago, when I began exploring music and everything was exciting and fresh. Just listen to the first track “Soldiers Of Misfortune�, an atmospheric and sophisticated rock tune which recalls Klaatu’s glory days. The lush vocal arrangement, the tasteful orchestrations, the catchy melody, it all works in a most satisfying way. The dreamy pop confection of “The Sun & I� and the catchy “Sheet Music� with its lush vocal harmonies, recalling The Beatles, are both excellent tracks. “Heaven� is another beautifully orchestrated tune, and on the charming English sounding “Earthbound�, the symphonic embellishments are spot on. More highlights include the wonderful saxophone in “Heaven�, the poignant “Follow Your Dreams�, and the mystical intro and creative guitar leads in the catchy “The Other Side�. The last two tracks, “The Colonel� and “Are We Alone� are both superb featuring outstanding guitar work, moody atmospheres, and tasty melodies.

The Other Side is a superbly crafted album, enchanting, melodic, and a general feast for the ears. Highly recommended!

Track Listing:
1. Soldiers Of Misfortune (5:35)
2. The Sun & I (3:31)
3. Sheet Music (3:46)
4. Heaven (4:53)
5. Earthbound (6:17)
6. Let Summer In (3:17)
7. Island Time (4:38)
8. Marie & Me (3:23)
9. Leave (3:26)
10. Follow Your Dreams (3:58)
11. The Other Side (5:47)
12. The Colonel (5:33)
13. Are We Alone (5:05)

Added: February 24th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ Bandcamp
Hits: 562
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]