The Black and White Years

One of the great surprises of the Albany Tulip Festival was the great free music offered in Washington Park. I have to write a little bit more about The Black and White Years who have a new CD on Brando Records. The band has a strong post-punk feel, their tunes are so amazingly hook-laden that they instantly caught my attention. Strong ska influences, but in a totally American pop style, with lead singer Scott Butler's great vocals, that draw comparisons to David Byrne, but to me were more resonant in the idyosyncratic Danny Elfman/Oingo Boingo style which, to this listener, is high praise indeed. In any case, BWY are originals and if you are looking for a fresh rock sound, give a listen. Especially notable is "Power to Change" which, like much of the album, playfully mines its obscure lyrics but clearly wears its green heart on its sleeve. "Evil Ape," "A Wetter Sea," are among the other great movers and shakers on their eponymous The Black and White Years.

At the show, I picked up the CD, produced by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads, which I am still exploring. The band originally used synth drums but for the album added the great Steve Ferrone of Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers and Average White Band.

Ya gotta hear this.

Black and White Years is --

Scott Butler - vocals, guitars, keys, words
Landon Thompson - guitars, keys, vocals
John Aldridge - bass, brass
Billy Potts - drums

http://www.theblackandwhiteyears.com/

Video: Power to Change - http://www.switchburn.com/theblackandwhiteyears/powertochange