Smash Palace returns with their seventh CD (titled “7?), that’s filled with 11 rock 'n roll tracks designed to be your soundtrack for the summer of 2010. The Butler brothers do what they do best… 60's jangle pop, 70's rock swagger, 80's power pop, 90's Brit pop all rolled into a contemporary style that’s all their own. It’s like listening to songs you know but haven’t heard before. If this is your first Smash Palace listening experience, you’ve picked a great place to start because the band just keeps getting better with each release. Recorded on 16 track tape, the band decided to forego computer based recording and cut the tracks with little alteration to the sounds being created. It’s the sound of a band that’s the real deal; a dedicated band that’s paid its dues and continues to create some of the best melodic rock n roll you’ll ever hear. The Butler brothers were first discovered by Hilly Kristal at CBGB’s then signed to Columbia Records. The band then moved on to Epic Records and now records for Zip Records. They were rediscovered by label president Art Herman after playing a show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, 2005. This is the bands third CD release for Zip Records.
“7” Album Press Quotes
“Win It All” is the best thing since “Meet The Beatles!”
Dennis “the Menace” Scheyer KUSF 90.3 in San Francisco
Smash Palace keep their hot streak going with album 7, another masterful blend of styles ‘n sounds from yesterday and today. “7” features both radio-ready rockers with catchy choruses like “Win It All” and “How Can You Say” and pretty ballads, including “Holding Out for You,” that sounds like Macca accompanied by Lennon on piano, and “Bridge of Sighs,” which could be a Zombies outtake. But the album’s power and edge are totally contemporary, and its homemade craft at once utterly charming and totally professional.
Barry Gutman (Bucketfull of Brains; Kool Kat Musik’s “Baron Saturday”)
The second I took this out of the CD case, I played "Dead End Street" and "Solo" on the air — immediate hits! Listeners love Smash Palace. There’s not a song on here that I won’t play on the air. Great stuff. Thanks!
Karen Wright, KMSU 89.7 FM (Independent Public Radio, Minnesota)
Your new Smash Palace is terrific – crunchy, confident pop songs delivered with brio and fun. Like it a lot!
Michael Tearson. WMGK and www.radiothatdoesntsuck.com
History
Smash Palace was signed to Zip Records in 2005 after the label saw the band perform at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. This energetic performance led BBC disc jockey, Spencer Leigh to comment that Smash Palace was one of the best live bands he'd seen in Liverpool that year. Zip Records soon issued "Smash Palace: Best of 99-06" that brought about critical praise, an extensive tour in the US and the UK, radio play, and TV appearances.
Band leader Stephen Butler, along with his brother Brian, have a history of making great music. Their first band, Quincy was discovered, then managed by Hilly Kristal, owner of CBGB's, then signed by Paul Atkinson of the Zombies to a deal with Columbia Records. Shortly after the record release, to the band's disbelief, it was sued by Quincy Jones for stealing his name. The Butler Brothers then disbanded Quincy, started over again, forming Smash Palace and securing a new deal with Epic Records.
After a few years of touring and waiting for their major label break, the band went on hiatus as the brothers went on to work as staff writers for BMG publishing. Smash Palace reformed in 1999 to record "Fast Long Loud", followed by "Unlocked" (2001), "Over the Top" (2004) and last year's, "Best of 99-06."
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