Byrd’s equal emphasis on NYC Made is summed up in the phrase “carpe diem.” Lead track “(Ya Get) 1 Life” is a fitting theme song that includes a feral yell reminiscent of Byrd’s pal Daltrey. “When your time here’s over, you’ll get plenty of rest,” sings Byrd. “Louanne” is a twisting Little Richard-styled rocker with a sly guitar riff. The song admonishes a friend who needs to get her life on track. “Stay Grateful” bounces like the Jam’s “A Town Called Malice” and Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life,” while expressing a similar sentiment to the latter. “Don’t let life shake you down,” sings Byrd.
“Sweet Byrd of Youte” is a sentimental backward glance co-written with Southside Johnny Lyon. There’s a musical and thematic kinship with songs like Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days,” but not a whiff of melancholy. Byrd sings from his mature vantage point with a smile on his face for the memories of his younger self’s rock and roll adventures and the lasting relationships that came with them.
“Anna Lee” begins with streetcorner doo-wop and drifts into sublime garage-pop carried by Asbury Jukes member Jeff Kazee’s accordion and featuring Wicked Cool label boss Stevie Van Zandt on mandolin. Byrd answers that song of unrequited love by finding redemption in the gospel-infused and grateful “Then Along Comes You.” The song makes a transition into bristling soul reminiscent to Ike & Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.”
“Glamdemic Blues” is a swinging Mott the Hoople-meets-Sweet-styled stomper. During pop-rock stroll “Alien,” Byrd asks a visiting space invader what he must think of humanity in disarray. Still, Byrd finds faith in a new generation during “RNR’s Demise (Has Been Greatly Exaggerated).” Like Byrd sings, you’re in for a good time if you “raise up the volume ‘til the speakers rumble!”
rickybyrd.com
wickedcoolrecords.com
