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Emitt Rhodes - Rainbow Ends (Omnivore Recordings)

Cover art for Rainbow Ends by Emitt Rhodes.
20 December 2015

Emitt Rhodes is probably best known by music fans as the leader of The Merry Go Round and the guy who wrote the classic late 60s songs, “Live”, “Time Will Show The Wiser” (covered most notably by Fairport Convention) and “You’re a Very Lovely Woman”. And predictably, most people probably heard “Live” when The Bangles covered it on their own classic album All Over The Place. Or maybe they loved Emitt’s beautiful song “Lullabye” in the movie The Royal Tannenbaums. No matter how you heard his music, know that Emitt is a great songsmith in the best traditions of artists like The Beatles or The Beach Boys. This new record, his first in 43 years, features guest artists ranging from Roger Joseph Manning Jr. and Jason Falkner (both solo artists, members of Jellyfish, and currently in Beck’s studio and touring band), to New Pornographers’ drummer Joe Seiders. Produced by Chris Price, the album was recorded live in Emitt’s home recording studio.

Emitt’s vocals are still wonderful and rich, and he has made his own mark on these recordings. On opening track “Dog On A Chain”, I am reminded more of Big Star than The Beatles, especially in the instrumentation. “If I Knew Then” is more of a honky tonk blues stomp with hoppin’ piano, definitely a finger-snapping and toe-tapping ditty. “Isn’t It So” is a pretty piece of chamber pop, while “Someone Else” explores modern heartbreak. The sound is mature, exquisitely recorded, and primed for commercial airplay. That is, if we lived in a world where well-deserving artists hit the charts. “I Can’t Tell My Heart” is a melancholy tune about yet another failed relationship. In fact, that is a theme that pervades this record, despite the bright, shiny production. “It’s All Behind Us Now” and “Friday’s Love” remind me of classic 70s pop, and the title track “Rainbow Ends” is a more optimistic song, ending the album like the sun breaking through the gray clouds. This is a fine, mature album from one of the 60s greatest songwriters, and it’s mighty good to have him back.

The album will be released on February 26, 2016 on CD, digital and gatefold, colored vinyl. A PledgeMusic campaign has been set up for pre-orders, offering exclusive collectibles, the album itself, and even a day in Rhodes’ studio. Details are available at Pledge Music.