Power Pop And Cajun Blues

Tony Peyser
Mirror contributing writer

   Supremium is the brainchild of Bruce Witkin, who’s worked over the years with a variety of folks like New Waver Adam Ant and roots rocker James Intveld. Supremium’s second album, Tales, has an embarrassing number of strong songs.
   I have no idea how they decided what to open the CD with. Yeah, the swooning “If Not For You” (track one) is just about perfect. But so is the glistening “What She Needs” (track two) and “Fall Out” (track four) sounds like a vintage tune from the Crowded House catalogue. But for my money, “She Is Everywhere” (track five) is the best of all, as good a creation as you’re likely to find on any power pop album. It’s a cool fake-out, too, as it starts out spooky with distorted vocals but segues into a sweet and high-flying gem. Forget ethyl or unleaded; try Supremium.
   Speaking of brand loyalty —- or lack thereof —- you should switch from Coke to Tab. No, not that somewhat ancient, strangely-flavored diet soda. I’m talking about the bluesman Tab Benoit, an old soul from New Orleans who’s only 35. Maybe it’s something in the water down there —- his new album is fittingly called Wetlands —- but this disc is chock full of Deep Southern grit and Louisiana soul. Benoit’s music is so hot, the CD should come with coupons for bottled water. From the strutting “Her Mind Is Gone” to a saucy version of “I Got Loaded” which many people first heard on an early Los Lobos album, it’s a sweaty and spicy auditory feast. Benoit is one engaging Cajun.
   Years from now, I doubt the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will be inducting groups whose members include Russell Crowe, Keanu Reeves or Kevin Bacon. The presence of actors in bands is usually based more on ego and PR potential than talent. Nonetheless, I requested a copy of Phantom Planet, the group whose most famous member is drummer Jason Schwartzman: son of Talia Shire, nephew of Francis Coppola, cousin of Nicolas Cage.  Schwartzman gave an extraordinary performance in 1998’s “Rushmore,” a comic turn that merits comparisons to Dustin Hoffman’s star-making role in “The Graduate.”
   I am to happy to report that Schwartzman and his Phantom Planet band mates have cranked out some power pop worth writing home about with their second album, The Guest. It’s produced by veterans Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake but they don’t impose their style on the band. I’m not sure “Anthem” is quite peppy enough to be an anthem but it is an endearing song. The opening track, “California,” is an unqualified winner which will pull people to our fair state just as televised Rose Parades under sunny skies lure out-of-towners who are suffering through another cold winter. Schwartzman (who co-wrote “California” and two other songs as well) may have broken the actor-rocker curse. This is good news for Phantom Planet but unfortunately means a Ben Affleck album could be out any day now.
   Miles Of Music has Supremium for $17.49, Wetlands for $13.99 and The Guest for just $9.79.
   The Goofy Band Name Of The Week is … The Nudeniks.