Having plied his sonic trade with Irish power-pop band The Fireflys, it is no surprise that, as a solo artist, Barry J Walsh continues to mine a similar sonic seam. And why not? Powerpop, you could argue, is the best of both worlds: addictive pop melodies meet rock’s drive and anthemics. What’s not to like?
Well, on the strength of “Star Ride,” his latest single, there is not just plenty to like but also everything to love. And if Barry himself has described his music as a “Blurred 60’s postcard”, here the picture on the front is the visual representation of Beach Boys exquisite and ornate harmonies, not to mention the same sense of joy, of Laurel Canyon late 60’s psych-pop singer songwriter vibes and of that decade’s signature sound as run through the early eighties Paisley Underground celebratory tip of the hat.
As I mentioned, it’s one of those songs that you can’t help but love. Without putting your finger on any one thing, the collective creative whole is simply infectious. It is bright, crisp, sonically articulate, poised, and popish but also ornate and elegant.
Pop might not be known for the most eloquent or adventurous music, not in recent times at least, but “Star Ride” reminds us that it once was, and thanks to artists like Barry J Walsh, it can be again.
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