Bubblegun | The Merrymakers | Swedish band unlikely messiahs of power-pop !

Bubblegun | The Merrymakers | THE MERRYMAKERS ARE THE NEW AND IMPROVED BEATLES

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	Bubblegun The Merrymakers Big Deal Records, 1999 average customer review:based on 14 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Aussie edition of the Swedish pop sensation's 1999 album. Includes the bonus track 'Somebody Made For Me'.

Swedish band unlikely messiahs of power-pop !

I must admit I discovered The Merrymakers by accident when scanning the web for info on the great Andy Sturmer.I was highly sceptical at first but upon first listen, I realised that Bubblegun was a pop gem! I never thought that there would be a band to replace Jellyfish but not only do the Merrymakers pull it off with delightfullly melodic tunes and masterful musicianship, they have excelled ! I would rate "Under the light of the moon" as a modern day classic akin to anything by the Beatles or Jellyfish.There are also traces of Badfinger, the LA's ,the Posies to be heard in Merrymaker's music.It almost makes me want to pack up and move to Sweden ! Trust me and buy this fabulous album.You will be instantly hooked.

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THE MERRYMAKERS ARE THE NEW AND IMPROVED BEATLES

All I can say is-- BUY THIS CD NOW. Don't get me wrong when I say that these Swedish boys are the "New & Improved Beatles"; it is just that they are amazing songwriters that contain wit and melody akin to the Beatles. The Merrymakers are a band that you don't come across everyday. I laugh at the people who think that the British band Oasis had some Beatle-like sound. Oasis could not even hold a candle to Beatle Bailey with a banjo. Oasis got lucky with a few cute tunes, but they lack poetry in their lyrics. Have no worries with the Merrymakers. The Merrymakers are hopefully here to stay.

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4.5 stars for this sugary pop album - this is the version to get

The Merrymakers are a Scandinavian power pop band that take obvious cues from genre touchstones such as the Beatles and Emitt Rhodes (covered here, with "Somebody Made For Me") as well as more modern influences like Jellyfish, their closest comparison. Though some tunes are almost overly saccharine and exuberant, their sheer joy and catchiness result in this being one of the finest albums of new-school power pop. Tracks are diverse enough to keep the listener's attention as well, ranging from the slightly Pink Floyd-ian ballad "Monkey In The Middle" to late-period Beatles romps like "April's Fool", complete with George-worthy slide guitar, to punky songs like "Superstar" that could go toe-to-toe with genre heavyweights like Fountains of Wayne. Overall, this is not to be missed by power pop fans, and some classic rock fans and alternative fans will be impressed as well. As for different versions of this album, this has the best price and the most tracks. You can't go wrong, even if you like the sequencing or artwork on the other versions. Enjoy!

Best Tracks:
"Saltwater Drinks" - Bounding out of the gates with this thrilling number, the Merrymakers quickly establish their position as the liveliest purveyors of power pop around.
"April's Fool" - Clever lyrics and great guitar work make this deceptively simple song a keeper.
"I'm In Love!" - Jangly, upbeat, innocent song that is reminiscent of the La's classic "There She Goes".
"Ms. Demeanor" - Amazing chorus, made all the more effective by being coupled with the restrained verses.
"Troubled Times" - Another song that is in constant rotation in power pop heaven. Nothing that reinvents the wheel but more than worthy of repeat plays.

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Swedish Power Pop Brilliance

Methinks the 'power pop' tag connotes something slightly different in Europe than it does in America. Swedish fans of the Merrymakers would probably find the thickly layered production of the Posies or Jellyfish far too busy. If the name Eggstone makes you wiggle in your seat and smile, then you'll find more than a few gems on this disc. The bonus cuts get loaded down with a bit too much production, but don't let than dissuade you from the urgent fun of the main course.

What happened to the vocals?

Make no mistake, this is a fine slice of late 90's power pop. Featuring ex-Jellyfish leader Andy Sturmer on drums and some outstandingly melodic songs, it should have been perfect. I have heard the original Japanese issue of this CD, and this later edition is notably changed. Gone are some of the best harmony vocals, and it sounds as if a good portion of the lead vocals have been re-done, either with another singer or at least re-recorded. Frankly, it just isn't as good as the original version.

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