Thirty-two-year-old folk-rock singer/songwriter Stephen Kellogg, along with his backup band the Sixers (who consisted of Keith Karlson and Brian "Boots" Factor upon the release of this album), has had his ups and downs, beginning with self-released efforts, working his way up to a major label and being dropped, and now fetching up with a well-established independent, Vanguard Records, for The Bear. His music is melodic pop/rock, usually featuring an acoustic guitar supported by an electric bass and drums, with other midrange instruments -- keyboards here, banjo there -- filling in the sound, all in the support of Kellogg's smooth tenor singing catchy choruses to story songs, at least some of which sound like they must be autobiographical. In particular, it would be surprising to hear that "Satisfied Man," on which Kellogg is only accompanied by that acoustic guitar, was fictional, since it is the first-person account of a happily married family man trying to explain to his wife and family (and to himself) why, if he's so satisfied, he also needs to hit the road regularly and be away from them so much.
Right in line with all of Stephen Kellogg’s other indie/folk albums, ‘The Bear’ is evenly balanced, spreading the hooks throughout most of the record. Of course, instant hits like “Shady Esperanto…” “A” and “Oh Adeline” tip the scales towards the first half making the second half seem less interesting. Those unfamiliar with the band might [...]
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Last week saw the release of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixer's latest release, The Bear. It's been a couple of years since their last album, The Glassjaw Boxer, a fun listen, but with this release, there are some good indications of growth for the group. The Bear is easily their best album to date. The Bear was produced by Tom Schick, who has previously worked with acts such as Norah Jones, Ryan ...
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Official music video plus lyrics for new Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers "Shady Esperanto and the Young Hearts", from their 2009 album "The Bear" Lilac eyes release me from the sting of the queen bee Help me to forget about the lions chasing me If a man among us has the notion that he's free I entreat you to [...]
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Right in line with all of Stephen Kellogg’s other indie/folk albums, ‘The Bear’ is evenly balanced, spreading the hooks throughout most of the record. Of course, instant hits like “Shady Esperanto…” “A” and “Oh Adeline” tip the scales towards the first half making the second half seem less interesting. Those unfamiliar with the band might [...]
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Music out today worth buying* Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers – The BearOther music out today* Boys Like Girls – Love Drunk* Saosin – In Search of Solid Ground* Polar Bear Club – Chasing Hamburg* Future Of Forestry – Travel Vol. 2
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Last week saw the release of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixer's latest release, The Bear. It's been a couple of years since their last album, The Glassjaw Boxer, a fun listen, but with this release, there are some good indications of growth for the group. The Bear is easily their best album to date. The Bear was produced by Tom Schick, who has previously worked with acts such as Norah Jones, Ryan ...
More >
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 "The Bear")
