They call it ‘Power Pop’, which sounds more like a frozen treat than a Rock Band. Throughout their association, Andy Sturmer, Roger Manning Jr., and Eric Dover made their presence felt, and in a big way.
Jellyfish is reminiscent of the Beatles, Queen, and the band Squeeze. If the group had not come out in the Grunge Era, they would have long since been an overnight success. ‘The Man I used To Be’ highlights Roger Joseph Manning Jr.’s keyboards ability to create mood and atmosphere. ‘Now She Knows She’s Wrong’ is verrry English pop, (though the boys are LA bred), and certainly Beatesque, right down to Roger’s harpsichord. ‘Bedspring Kiss’ wraps that smooth fretless bass around your psyche and then mandolin, sitar/guitar sounds, and a consistent, clean, emotional pop vocal.
Their Bellybutton CD is the best recorded sound… EVER. Every note, every instrument, every breath is exactly perfect. This collection of Jellyfish songs has an intimate quality and sense of humor not found in most Pop songs. the band is never simplistic or child-like and always has tasty riffs and tight harmonies. While a West Coast ensemble, they have crafted their sound as if direct descendants of the Retro British Vocal Pop we know and love.
The vocals maintain a power and beauty characteristic of Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning. The roaming fretless bass animates the bottom of a colorful soundscape. A well-orchestrated use atmosphere and mood applied within an interesting pop/rock format. Mandolin, harmonica, and accordian blend seamlessly into this musical fabric and never lose sight that this is a Pop Rock genre. I think Roger, Andy, and Eric could do anything in any musical lineup and still come out shining.
Drummer/Lead Vocalist, Andy Sturmer wrote ‘Friends Forever’ and then went on to work with Ozzy Osbourne and then, the Black Crowes, which speaks to flexibility from genre to genre. He spent some time writing for and with Japanese rock act, Puffy Ami Yumi . The song ‘Planet Tokyo’ which features Ami and Yumi, two Japanese female vocalists. These days Andy writes music for the Transformer and Batman Cartoon Series.
Roger Manning formed ‘Imperial Drag’ with Eric Dover on guitar and vocals. Dover also appeared as lead vocalist on ‘Slash’s Snakepit’. Easily, the Slash-man’s best work. You should check out ‘It’s Five O’clock Somewhere’, with Eric on vocals and blues harmonica. Slash’s guitar work speaks for itself. Imperial Drag gave us a bit more of that Brit Vox Pop, and less Beatlesque, specifically. ‘Are You a Boy or a Girl?’ goes from Eric’s breathy intimacy to his scream clean pop falsettos while ‘Overnight Sensation’ reminds us of David Bowie, T-Rex, and Mott the Hoople.
Roger also played keyboards and guitar for the fictitious band ‘Infant Sorrow’, with Russell Brand on lead vocals, in the movie ‘Get Him To The Greek’. ‘I am Jesus’ is one of seven songs on this release which I still listen to over and over. ‘African Child’ is an anthem of dripping sarcasm of Western societies and their Madison Avenue take on poverty and what we might do to help. ‘Little Bird’ is one more song that smacks of Beatles and the Brit Vox Pop formula, acoustic and so in the here and now. Mr. Manning also worked extensively with the pop/punk band Blink-182. A little more about Roger.
You will also find Roger Manning jamming with Beck Hansen on both the ‘Mutation’ and ‘Midnite Vultures’ CD’s. ‘Nicotene & Gravy’ shows a lack of boundaries, I like a lot. The song ‘Sexx Laws’ is a tongue-in-cheek Beck meld of flavors from 1970’s funk/soul to 1960’s Retro. Mr. Hansen’s music is on Nike commercials, behind TV series soundtracks, and almost always on crossover radio rock stations. His commercial success is due almost exclusively to his website, CD pressing ventures, and a cherry independent deal signed with Geffen years ago. Visit www.beck.com for more.
