THE GREAT AFFAIRS – Dream In Stereo
Nashville has a reputation amongst the British as being the capital city of country and western, although slowly but surely it is being recognized as the capital city of songwriters and aspiring musicians. This is important as the music which permeates the crooks and crannies of Nashville is vibrant and varied. Just such one example is this quartet.
Imagine if you will the instant hooks and melodies of Cheap Trick with the Americana of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers complete with a hint of Ginger Wildheart’s countrified spirit and a hint here and there of the melodic edge of Aerosmith (especially evident on album-opener Left of Me), and you find your ears being entertained by The Great Affairs.
Accessible throughout, this softer and genuine band have found themselves a niche which isn’t going to blow everyone away, but it certainly rewards those who wish to take the time to check them out. Rock n’roll lies at the beating heart of the tales of emotion which are shared by lead vocalist Denny Smith who also tackles guitars, keys and a touch of the blues harp.
This isn’t their debut album as they have been subtle in their output over the past few years, but if you’re new to these guys then be prepared for some gems like California, The Next Three Minutes and Stay All Night. It may amaze some to hear that pop melodies fused with a loose groove of rock n’roll can actually be executed with a charm and maturity as displayed on Dream in Stereo.
Fitting a sunny afternoon where the air is still and occupied by gentle thoughts, or for those occasions where you kick off your boots in front of the fireplace after a hectic day in the cold, Dream in Stereo is full of 13 laid back tracks which belong to be heard loud while in the car driving on an endless dusty highway.
Fans of the Traffic multi-instrumentalist Dave Mason may find the final track interesting as The Great Affairs wrap their talents around We Just Disagree. It wouldn’t be too much to imagine a tour of the Counting Crows with The Great Affairs as they both hold dear an appreciation for good songwriting and some tasty yet subtle guitar and melody.
