Mercer Back in Motion
Feelies and friends doing what they do best...
Glenn Mercer
Wheels In Motion
Released on Nov 30, -0001
Some of the best recordings are done amongst old friends. And the more former members you can wrangle back together from its prior incarnations, the better. Glenn Mercer, one-time headman to New Jersey's Feelies has done just that. "Wheels In Motion" is his first proper solo album on Pravda Records, and a real treat for geeks hoping to cop a Feelies reunion minus one key member.
The Feelies broke out of the New York Post-Punk scene with the 1980 release of now-classic "Crazy Rhythms." Initially shipped by Stiff Records in the UK, "Crazy Rhythms" has gone on to influence countless bands, including R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, who later produced 1986's "The Good Earth."
"Wheels In Motion" harnesses the subtle beauty and spontaneity of each release while giving Mercer a chance to work with most of the folks who helped along the way. Rhythm sections on various songs are made up of former Feelies (bassist Brenda Sauter-Barnes and drummers Anton Fier, Stanley Demeski, Dave Weckerman and Vinny DeNunzio). Sadly, guitarist Bill Million is still M.I.A. Some reports have him working as a locksmith for the Disney Corporation. Likely a load of buffalo bagels, but an intriguing myth nonetheless.
Highlights here include the frantic "Whatever Happened," and a song that would have fit comfortably on anyone's "Let's Head West" mix tape called "Morning Lights."
"Wheels In Motion" is a near-perfect example of the old mantra, "if it ain't broke don't fix it." Songs can be simple and follow the same hypnotic progression but still transport one to a world beyond themselves. Hooray Glenn! Welcome back.
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Posted by Joe Roth on Aug 28, 2007 @ 12:00 am