"Movin' On" Down the Rock and Roll Road
PapaSean Johnson finds a way to railroad the blues into rock and roll.
Growth and creativity are demonstrated by prolific output and PapaSean Johnson doesn't disappoint with the second album from the pen of Sean Poluk.
The addition of a live bass, kicking drums and vocal harmonies to the PapaSean Johnson sound has produced a more satisfying organic musical entity.
Louise Prevost picks the bass and Doug Collins drums on the beats to create an ambiance not unlike mid-seventies off-the-floor recorded rock.
Movin' On 3:20
The title track kicks off the recording in G major, 4/4 time with a quick moving 12 bar boogie rhythm complaint to an unfaithful lover. Satisfying guitar licks and rhythms are supported by a musical walking bass and fine drumming.
The lyrical guitar lead that brings the last verse is characteristic of PapaSean Johnson's music and offers a clear signpost for the listener to gauge the distance traveled. The cut is so danceable it could be called This Johnson is Jumping.
Ain't No Friend Of Mine 2:45
The more I know people the better I like dogs. In fast 4/4 that feels like 2/2 time, a rolling tom tom punctuates the lyrics with dark propulsive beats. A barking dog plays rhythm to the lead break. When is the last time you heard that in 12 bar rock and roll?
Young And Restless 3:17 (Free mp3, above)
This song is an album highlight. A punchy guitar riff counts in Young and Restless. Off the floor jangly harmonies over a simple lyric has a early '70s live retro sound. The chorus is a memorable ear-worm that features musical Louise Prevost singing harmony.
Count On Me 3:23
A punchy Doug Collins drum riff pounds rock and roll into the blues-flavour of the song list so far. Inventive drumming punctuates throughout another highlight song of "Movin' On".
The lyrics are about promise and the circle of life. Having someone to count on is a blessing.
A well-integrated guitar lead breaks out to grind the melody before the recapitulation of the last verse and chorus.
Still Love That Girl 4:28
Among songs about cars - Little Deuce Coupe, Little Red Corvette, Mustang Sally, you can add the Chevy Impala 2-door.
The record's itinerant theme is touched on, more in the manner of a flight from a lost love rather than running to another in a field of wheat. "Still Love That Girl" features back up harmonies by Louise Prevost in the chorus.
Me And Two 3:33
"Me and Two" features one of the things that makes rock and roll so irresistible, forward propulsion provided by a tight bottom, bass and drums.
A trio is a small orchestra to make sound big and having a drummer that can provide two or three move voices to the mix makes PapaSean Johnson sound larger than they are without over-producing the sound. After all, does the music world need another "Creed"?
Listen To Me Girl 5:27
Starts off strong with a feedback beat and moves right into a pushy short riff in the Petty style.
The theme of "Movin' On" is again thrown into relief by the questions of motivation, responsibility and commitment.
You Can Fly 4:16
Tom tom beats over a guitar riff introduce "You Can Fly". This song features more tasteful harmonies at the chorus. The criminal life, family, life, simplicity, travel and longing feature in the song lyrics.
The harmonies at the chorus are particularly pretty and effective. The fast lead break at the extro is exuberant, expressive and so is in keeping with the rest of the song.
Boogie Man 3:04
The Boogie Man is in walking 12 bar boogie rhythm complete with back up singers to faintly echo the chorus.
This song is slightly ironic and has an updated cheek not unlike Downchild or Waller.
The woman's voice is traditional to the sound and is welcome as a contrast to the work sometimes heard in PapaSean's voice.
Starting Over 4:97
This song could easily dominate the am drive or get you out of bed in the morning. Effectively builds satisfying harmonic tension rising to the chorus.
"I'll never wish my life away, again,
You're the dream I've been waiting for"
After every trial there is release and every cloud has a silver lining in this love song which demonstrates the linear, lyrical nature of PapaSean Johnson harmonies which are longer than is heard in run of schedule rock and roll.
Long Weekend 4:26
Blow this one horse town. The theme of "Movin' On" is wrapped up with this paean to the May Long Weekend road trip.
The entire record is great driving music and "Long Weekend" doesn't disappoint.
-Norman Fournier- Rogue Agent
