Keystone Cops Music Video
“Keystone Cops” was the song that brought these four dear friends - Lizard Music - back from the brink of despair during the apocalyptic summer of 2020. This ode to rigged systems needed a video, so we hired our comedy actor pal Lonny Ross to create one. Enter Torque Brigante (Ross), professional voice-over actor and vocal career coach. Torque’s delusions of grandeur lead him to believe he may actually be the lead singer of Lizard Music.
“The goal was to make an entertaining video, compliment the song, and encourage people to listen to the entire album - because it’s great. And I’m not just saying that because the band is currently hunched down over my shoulders watching me write this.” - Lonny Ross (Director)
Erik & Mikael talk with Paul Myers about ARIZONE! on the Record Store Day Podcast
Erik and Mikael got a chance to hang and chat with the witty and observant Paul Myers about “ARIZONE!”
The Lizard Music segment begins at 0:23:10
Episode #56 of The Record Store Day Podcast features Laura & Mark from the funky, trippy trio, Khruangbin (Dead Oceans), and Mikael & Erik from the de-constructive pop quartet, Lizard Music (Omnivore Recordings). We also drop into Technique Records in Miami to meet the man they call Mikey R. Plus, RSD's Carrie Colliton speaks of absent friends from the record store community and we pay our respects to fallen rock heroes George Harrison and ace rock photographer Mick Rock. Sponsored as always by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, and Tito's Handmade Vodka. Go to RecordStoreDay.com for the latest RSD news, and find out how to win one of three copies of the Ethan Russell photo book, Get Back by The Beatles, from Callaway books. (You can hear our Ethan Russell interview on Episode #55)
ARIZONE! Review from Americana Highways w/ companion playlist.
Original post:
https://americanahighways.org/2021/10/07/review-lizard-music-arizone/
Lizard Music – Arizone! by John Apice
This is certainly a well-produced CD that’s sonically crisp, & atmospheric. This NJ rock quartet is reminiscent of the best elements of ancient times: The Beatles, & Klaatu on the opener “The Crow Flies.”
Of course, they go punkier on “The Mixtape,” which goes to show the band isn’t exactly original musically but has their influences embedded in their skill. I guess it’s wise they didn’t follow the lead of their first song – the versatility shines & the songs are short.
There are 15 tunes on this highly polished LP. On cut 3 “Keystone Cops,” they’re in a Korgis, (“Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime” “If I Had You”) & Stackridge (“The Volunteer”) gear. That’s admirable (don’t laugh, some Stackridge was produced by The Beatles’ George Martin & some by Tony Ashton).
Lizard Music is brilliantly arranged & performed with dynamic Deaf School-Tubes theatrical aggression. The band is creative, & original despite sounding like their forbearers.
“Arizone!” is creepy but tantalizing sound. Vocals are borderline Sparks (by L.A. Mael Brothers — “At Home, At Work, At Play”). Then add Beach Boys harmonies, shift to a “96 Tears,” era organ by ? & the Mysterians, & back to the Beach Boys. Cool.
Arizone! (Drops Oct 8-Omnivore Recordings) is entertaining. I’d like to say it’s bombastic, but it’s balanced. As the CD progresses, however, they begin to lose inspiration & steam. Pristine sound persists, with many infectiously melodic inventive tunes. The earlier songs have a more expansive landscape.
Their first LP in 25-years, these fellows are good. Will it work in 2021? That’s the question.
The tint of New Wave as depicted by the marvelous 70s band New Muzik (“Islands,” “Straight Lines”) & the still in existence Dutch band Gruppo Sportivo (“I Said No”) are evident. Is Lizard Music imitating? No. Not at all. They fit into this motorized music like a hot cylinder.
Born in Atlantic Highlands, NJ (1989) the band creates an other-worldly surreal musical environment (even Smashing Pumpkins & XTC borrowed from). The clarity & separation produced make this one of the year’s best. But probably a long shot for today’s market. I’m older – I think it’s great.
A misstep? Yeah, 2: “Laughing In the Face of Love,” has tight music, marvelously performed. It gallops along reliably but it’s drenched in 60s tradition, too much so. Some may embrace this silliness others dismiss it with its “Ghost Riders In the Sky,” type guitar. “You Should Be Proud,” is sound effects, dialogue & nothing.
“What’s My Line,” is curious with its Troggs’ “Wild Thing,” ocarina (flute). A good riveting rocker: “Make That Drink To Go.” “Better Believe,” shifts into a moody melody & retains the treated vocals.
The band: Chris Apple (bass/keys/trumpet/vocals), Wilco’s Mikael Jorgensen (keys/guitar/vocals), Erik Paparozzi (guitar/keys/vocals) & Craig Smith (drums/percussion/keys/vocals).
Moist cheesecake for the ears.
Photo courtesy: Lizard Music Facebook. The 54-minute CD: available @ https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/arizone/
The Roots Of Lizard Music - Vol. 1
This playlist is a brief overview of some of the important, nay, CRITICAL songs & artists that helped shape our fragile eggshell minds in the early 90s.
Lizard Music “The Mixtape” Out Now!
“Mixtape” The first single from the upcoming LP/cd package from Lizard Music on Omnivore Recordings is out now