DOUG GILLARD

Parade On

2014-04-28

After substantial runs as sideman for Guided By Voices and Nada Surf, Doug Gillard is taking control of his own destiny with Parade On, his third official solo album. He wrote the 11 songs on the album, he sings lead, he plays lead guitar, and he also comes in and plays bass, keys, percussion, and does some of his own backing vocals. A few drummers hop in to help him out here and there, and he gets some help from a few additional background singers, but Parade On is his baby.

A fine baby it is. Indie-pop sensitivity adds air and lightness to a pleasing and easy to swallow excursion. The first five cuts are long on rhythm and short on melodic hooks, so much of Parade On will leave pleasant but vague memories. Things get rockier in the second half (and that's a good thing!)  For a bit more drive, try #6 Overseas and #9 No Perspective. #7 Come Out and Show Me feels a bit like Tommy-era Who.

--Gerald Etkind

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 02/2014

    JEREMY JAY
    Abandoned Apartments

  • reviewed 02/2006

    WILLIE NILE
    Streets of New York

  • reviewed 05/2008

    Jeb Loy Nichols
    Days Are Mighty

  • reviewed 07/2014

    FRENCH STYLE FURS
    Is Exotic Bait

  • reviewed 07/2016

    Switchfoot
    Where The Light Shines Through

  • reviewed 05/2014

    KEVIN DREW
    Darlings

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.