CD Review - The Cellarbirds Perfect Smile
The Cellarbirds
Perfect Smile
www.cellarbirds.com
Bret Alexander - guitars, pedal steel, dobro, harmonica, sitar,
accordion, B3, synths, percussion, vocals
Paul Smith - bass, programming, percussion, vocals
Ron Simasek: drums, percussion
Shannon says: Bret Alexander and Paul Smith assembled a recording studio
that has been growing with popularity, called Saturation Acres (Danville, PA),
where the pair have instantly been handing out recording success to
diverse bands. Finally deciding to unveil some recording magic of their
own, Bret Alexander, Ron Simasek, and Paul Smith have quickly divulged
"Perfect Smile." The Cellarbirds are often referred to as a "Badlees side-project,"
but after just one listen of their impressive, self-produced album, these hard-working
musicians prove that they are much more. With their debut-album already selling out
quickly, this trio's talent will no longer be hidden away in the cellar.
Melanie says: The cover pictures a cowboy, but it has a modern technological
edge to it because of the computer-generated graphics and colors. Wondering
what to expect from looking at the cover, I soon discovered the answer by popping
the CD in my player. The cover art fits the musical style created by Bret, Paul,
and Ron in the fourteen days they recorded.
Shannon says: Flying into the title track, "Perfect Smile," Alexander's
articulate and unabashedly romantic vocals have a strong resemblance to
that of Paul Westerberg. Exposing a hint of Beatles inspiration, this first-class
song is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.
Melanie says: The title track of the CD, “Perfect Smile” draws the listeners in and
piques their interest. The guitar on this track picks up after the line “you have a
perfect smile/when it shines” and keeps up to the last note of the song.
Shannon says: Slowly flowing into the first single, "Uncommonly Blue,"
the sitar sizzles into a steady country beat and disperses into artful lyrics.
Alexander's dynamic manner combines perfectly with the remarkably rousing lyricism.
Melanie says: The first single off the CD, “Uncommonly Blue” can be heard on 105.7 the
X’s Under the Radar and The Sunday News. You may have also heard it on
Wink 104’s Bruce Bond Late Afternoon Show. When asked what this
song was about by Bond, Bret answered “potential.” The chorus of
“Uncommonly Blue,” a mere two lines, is joined by a melee of melodious music.
The chorus closes the song, repeating “ I’ve seen beauty in my mind/Makes the
world go colorblind.”
Shannon says: "Happy Home" unexpectedly takes the listener on a
potent, psychedelic ride full of raucous, retro-sounding rock n' roll.
Melanie says: A harder song, “Happy Home” is exactly the opposite of
what the title implies. The lyrics speak of betrayal and being alone,
which create a want for revenge and feelings of paranoia.
Shannon says: "Someone Nice" is a twangy and reflective tune, full
of carefree advice. Perhaps unmasking another inspiration, Alexander's
raspy vocals show an utter congruence to the unadorned style of Tom Petty.
Melanie says: Also performed on The Bruce Bond Late Afternoon Show, “Someone
Nice” seems to fit the cover art. The simple sound and simple lyrics give a
country feel without the twangy guitar.
Shannon says: Full of warm acoustics and high melodic vocals,
"Open ended" bares intimate imagery through smooth, sober story telling.
Melanie Says: Falling into a groove, “Open Ended” also has that wonderful
non-twangy country feel. Bret sings of the simple occurrences “down at the o.t.b.”
while Ron keeps the beat paced.
Shannon says: "Lester's Breaking Even," discloses the story of a man
with a broken heart and his rebellious revenge. This instrumentally solid
song upholds an austere tone that slowly dwindles down to a sympathetic ending.
Melanie Says: “Lester’s Breaking Even” tells the story of Lester, who married a
girl and had a family. “Yea, everything changed/When he came home early that
night” implies she cheated and Lester and his ex are now deciding where the children go.
Shannon says: "Time for Pride" holds a straight forward, modest story
that employs a loose and wild side, easily comparable to The Replacements.
Melanie Says: What I found in the song lyrics was not written straightforward, but
underlying. To me, it said to not value yourself on your material possessions
and not let your ego get too big. Eventually, it will all be taken away and
you’ll only be left with disappointment.
Shannon says: The introspective, refreshing tune "Starting over Again"
is a wistful song, full of Alexander's poignant lyrics and the forlorn moans of guitar.
Melanie Says: The shortest track, clocking in at 2:59, “Starting Over Again” has
a slow tempo. If you didn’t follow the advice of the previous song, this song
says “so I am starting over again.”
Shannon says: Yet another hit single, "Any Given Day" features the
clever and catchy vocals of Smith, backed by Simasek's solid drumming.
Melanie Says: “Any Given Day” seems to ring a familiar bell, but I just can’t place it.
It has more of a rock edge to it like the beginning of the CD.
Shannon says: "You Annoy Me," concludes the voyage with buzzing guitar
effects and charismatic humor. Nearing the end, Alexander's acerbic vocals
casually persuade the listener into joining his rowdy rants and raves with a
convincing chant of "Come on, come on, come on…"
Melanie Says: Maybe Lester could dedicate this song to his ex. The point of this
song is straight and to the point: “You annoy me.” It has a great beat and
brings “Perfect Smile” to a perfect end.
Thank you to Ron (and the other Cellarbirds) for the CD!