“A Little Fun / October Sun – Single” is once again available for digital download as well as physical CD purchase… listen, buy and download here.
Tag: Chris Zogby
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Studio Stuff…
Zogby (drums) and Manitta (guitar, bass) stopped by, helping me get some line levels:
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Volta Park Day 2007
“A Little Fun / October Sun – Single” from 1997 is available for digital download for the first time through the SnoCap MyStore retail channel. The SnoCap MyStore is in the early roll-out stages, I’ve decided to release these two tracks as MP3-format, non-DRM protected files, which are playable on all digital music devices including iPod… stay tuned as further file-format and rights-management features of the MyStore become available… try it now here:
Format: CD Single (Buy Physical CD)
Release Date: October 16th, 1997
Label: Private Mind Records
All songs by Mike Shupp
Copyright © 1997 Workplace Music (BMI)
Produced by Mike Shupp
Recorded and Mixed at , Annandale, VA
by Mike Harvey
Mike Shupp: Vocals, Guitars
Chris Zogby: Drums
Harry Dailey: Bass
Buddy Speir: Guitar, Background Vocals
TRACK LISTING
1) A Little Fun – 3:01
2) October Sun – 3:26 [wpaudio url=”/clip-MikeShupp_OctoberSun.mp3″ text=”Play” dl=”0″]
(P) 1997 Private Mind Records PMR-400015
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The Washington Post
The Washington Post
January 9th, 2004
MIKE SHUPP “This Time” Private Mind
There’s nothing complicated about Mike Shupp’s approach to power pop, nothing to dim the appeal of the jingle-jangle guitar work, the clipped, hammered rhythms or the crafty construction of three-minute odes and laments. On “This Time,” big hooks trump big ideas time and again.
Yet the former Big Bang Theory guitarist nevertheless has something to say, mostly concerning the ins and outs of relationships, and his lyrics tend to be as thoughtful as they are concise. His most intriguing songs neatly summarize personal history and lingering tension in a line or two, creating a love-hate dynamic on “Good Again” or swiftly setting the mood for “All Over Town,” a tale of obsession, sorrow and humiliation. Shupp’s sharp pop instincts are an even bigger plus, though, which is why a song as sad as “Came to This” packs a rhythmic punch, or why “She’ll Come Around” is likely to bring Marshall Crenshaw to mind. Shupp does a lot of multi-tasking here, playing guitar, bass, keyboards and percussion while getting a big, booting assist from drummer Chris Zogby. But “This Time” never sounds as if it were pieced together in the studio. More often than not, in fact, it’s like listening to a power-pop band having a good time in real time.
Appearing Tuesday at Velvet Lounge. • To hear a free Sound Bite from Mike Shupp, call Post-Haste at 202-334-9000 and press 8107. (Prince William residents, call 703-690-4110.)
— Mike Joyce
( January 9th, 2004 )
Copyright © 2004 The Washington Post All rights reserved
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Big Takeover Magazine
Big Takeover Magazine
Issue 52, Spring 2003
Mike Shupp
This Time
(Private Mind)
On his third solo record, Shupp, formerly of Washington D.C. power-poppers Big Bang Theory, swims in the cozy, melodic waters occupied by Matthew Sweet, Tommy Keene, and Paul Westerberg. Indeed, fans of each of those should find something to enjoy in this tuneful LP. From the Velvet Crush-meets-Tom Petty title track to the lovely yearning of “All Over Town,” Shupp, accompanied by Chris Zogby’s propulsive drumming, offers a series of tightly focused, well-turned songs. For aficionados, a veritable pop feast. (www.mikeshupp.com)
— John Micek
( Issue 52, Spring 2003 )
Copyright © 2003 The Big Takeover All rights reserved.
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Music Monthly
Music Monthly
April, 2003
Mike Shupp
This Time
(Private Mind Records)
Hey gang, this is a very nice album. This Time is Mike Shupp’s third solo release and it is aimed squarely at the widening Adult Contemporary/Pop Rock crowd. Mellow R.E.M., Tom Petty, Wallflowers or Del Amitri fans will want to own this release. Shupp does a superior job of making perceptible and capitalizing on his refined songwriting talents, faceted musical abilities and singular singing style. Remaining lyrically sharp and frequently downright catchy, the bulk of the tunes center on the relationship/love interest theme. Truth is, about the only downside I could nitpick out of this entire 10 song set is that I seemed to grow slightly weary of this fact a little over half way through. I guess I was waiting for the “fun-lovin’ party rock” song or something. It never really came. Instead I got track 8, “Forgiven,” a down tempo and brilliantly moody lament on forgiveness. Actually, I enjoyed such a well-done surprise. It is worth noting that all the songs herein are quite strong. Better said, they are real and come across as honest and thoughtful. Shupp’s songs contain his outlooks on universal and timeless themes that will hold up well with any age group and against time itself. The actual passion of the performances in each song combined with the basic but quality recording production aid in presenting them in this realistic and earthy way. Absolutely zero fluff here.
Musically, the guitar work, if you listen closely, is ingenious. Shupp often chooses interesting chord voicings and subtle distinctive phrasing with the guitar parts. This does not cloud the tasteful vocal melodies or tromp over the other elements in the song. Instead, this quality draws you in to each of the songs’ overall vibe. Just as interesting is that Shupp performs all instruments here, except drums (aptly done by Chris Zogby). Something you’d never pick up on, save reading the liner notes. Seems that back in the day Mike Shupp was the guitarist in the early ’90s MCA Records band Big Bang Theory. He has since garnished regional and national airplay/gigs/press with his solo career. So, it seems to me Shupp’s due paying, and the life experiences that come along with it, have led him to this heightened level of straightforward no BS talent and his cohesive release This Time. I’ll close by simply suggesting that you grab a copy and enjoy it yourself.
— Tommy Mullins
( April, 2003 )
Copyright © 2003 Music Monthly All rights reserved.
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All Music Guide
Mike Shupp
This Time
Private Mind (mikeshupp.com)
This album is teeming with catchy melodies and sweet pop/rock arrangements. From the opening notes of the title track or the shimmering “All Over Town,” Mike Shupp resembles a cross between Tom Petty and Michael Stipe as drummer Chris Zogby propels the music forward. Another asset is how the musician eliminates any needless guitar solos or sonic slack. “I’m having trouble knowing lately who I am,” Shupp sings on “Came to This,” but given his penchant for tight arrangements that teeter toward lo-fi alternative rock, he knows what he wants musically. A track such as “Another Life” has been done literally thousands of times, but Shupp gives it a certain warmth courtesy of his delivery and better than average lyrics. Fans of the Replacements All Shook Down album should find comfort in much of the record, especially the adorable twang emanating from “Set Me Free.” “Good Again” is probably the best track simply because it offers up a slightly looser feel and some simplistic Keith Richards riffs. The exception to the album is the somber and melancholic groove on “Forgiven,” a tune that takes a while to find its footing. But “She’ll Come Around” steers the record back on track. Although This Time has one or two slight drawbacks, the album is extremely well done.
— Jason MacNeil ( March 2003 )
Copyright © 2003 All Music Guide
All rights reserved.