Ellis
Clark – LP Number One (Caudog Records)
Ellis Clark has been a fixture on the Chicago music
scene since the late ‘70s, as a founding member of Epicycle (if you get the
chance, check out their “Special First Edition” album from 1981), later with
the band Social Act, and finally with The Handcuffs. He’s also produced a
number of artists and groups over the years, from June and the Exit Wounds, to
Kevin Tihista and local power pop legend Phil Angotti. “LP Number One” is his
debut solo album - which can be no surprise, given its title.
A quick perusal of his discography, as both musician
and studio hand, suggests an artist inclined to strong tunes and plentiful
hooks, and this twelve-track collection does everything necessary to confirm
those suspicions. Of course, Chicago has had a reputation for classic guitar
pop acts, probably since the Beatles passed through in ’64, and Clark has more
than played his part. Here he showcases his all-round talents as a writer,
musician and producer, with an album that oozes confidence and a song selection
that should impress the most jaded of pop fan.
Aided and abetted by some of the cream of the Chicago
pop underground, including Brad Elvis (The Romantics, The Handcuffs), Yvonne
Bruner and the fore mentioned Angotti, Clark has constructed a collection of instantly
engaging, melodic, catchy songs. “I Can't Lose” is a
Lloyd Cole-esque ballad with a stylish arrangement and super blend of keyboards
and voices. “God in the 1980's” gets to grips with the decade in question rather
than any particular deity, though Carla Prather’s backing vocal contains a
certain gospel clarity. “Goodbye” is pure ‘70s FM pop – the good stuff – and
the album is brought to a conclusion with the fate tempting “Life Hasn't Killed
You Yet”. Its thoughtful and meditative tones providing a solicitous au
revoir.
Phil S.
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