The Livesays - Not What I Bargained For - New Release review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Not What I Bargained For, from The Livesays , and it's a cool power pop rocker. Opening with driving rocker, Two Sides , Billy Livesay on lead vocal and guitar has a solid radio sound with influences of the likes of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. Backed by Victor "Cuqui" Berrios on organ and vocal, Tim Murphy on piano and vocal, Jorge LaPlume on bass and Howard Goldberg on drums. Title track, What I Bargained For is a strong radio contender with a super melody and straight ahead rock character. One of my favorite tracks on the release is In A Small Town with it's pop folky approach. With Livesay on acoustic guitar and lead vocal, simple piano by Murphy and with the addition of pedal steel by Dana Keller it has simple beauty. Better Angels has an interesting melody and harmonies over a solid, straight ahead beat. I like the slight key change accent giving the track that hint of compl...