The
Meadows are Todd
Herfindal and Kevin Houlihan.
Introduced years ago in San Francisco by future
ex-girlfriends, the two have been making music
together ever since.
Todd grew up representing the West Coast under
the beautiful Northern California sun. Kevin took
off from New Jersey after many happy and youthful
years. Now living in Los Angeles, the duo churn
out one hook-laded album after the next.
Since their start in 2005 they have written, produced,
recorded and mastered three releases to praise
from the likes of Rolling Stone,
Playback: Stl, Amplifier,
and AllMusic…just
to name-drop a few.
Todd and Kevin share lead vocal responsibilities.
Using the tried and true foundation of drums,
bass and electric guitars, The Meadows build upon
their sound with vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars,
piano, organ, strings, and everything else you
can think of, to create a sound that is expansive
and cinematic.
The Meadows have delivered the follow up to their
critically acclaimed self-titled debut LP. The
result of their latest mental brainstorm is "First
Nervous Breakdown"', the band's
second full-length album, releasing January 29th,
2008. Key tracks on the record were mixed by Danny
Saber (The Rolling Stones, David Bowie,
U2, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, INXS, Garbage,
The Charlatans UK, Black Grape). A colorful cast
of players appear including Brian Young
(Fountains Of Wayne, The Posies) on drums/percussion;
Joe Skyward (Sunny Day Real Estate,
Sky Cries Mary, The Posies) on Bass; Brian
Lapin (Black Eyed Peas, Mozella, The
Shore) on organ and Piano.
First Nervous Breakdown:
A Uniquely – Schizophrenic - Rock N'
Rolling - Indie - Guitar – Pop - Alternative
- California - Country - Vibey – Record.
Everything is gonna be o.k.
". . . Twelve tracks steeped in the acoustic soul of Big Star and sprinkled with the arena-rock dust of Coldplay. Triumphant choruses like We can be anything (Been So Long) and Today will be the brightest day (Turn It Around) continually burst out of melancholy verses to reveal our narrators as true believers in the power of the perfect rock song."
"At creating a pop hit, these guys should be called the Masters."
"Los Angeles-based duo The Meadows don't just have all the right influences (Pete Yorn, Teenage Fanclub Ryan Adams and The Jayhawks) in check on their self-titled debut, they've also got a stunning knack for songcraft. Boasting alternating frontmen Todd Herfindal (ex-Blue Sky Roadster and Single) and Kevin Houlihan (formerly of The Fundamentals and Moontower), the pair join forces to assert -- through this resourceful and immediately charming 12-song cycle -- that they've spent enough time in almost-famous bands. From the heaven-sent, swooning of "Been So Long" to the tender, reflective "Younger Yesterday", The Meadows' take on guitar pop --bolstered by thumbs-up harmonies and ace arrangements -- can be as dazzling ("Turn It Around") as it is exhilarating ("Dreamer"). 4.5 Stars out of 5 -Highly recommended."
"The band's sound brings to mind many welcome images, at times recalling Oasis anthems as sung by the Thorns, while at others recalling the glory days of the Jayhawks or the more subdued vibes of Mitch Easter and Don Dixon."
"Their warm, radio-ready sound combines the epic sweep of The Verve with the rootsier qualities of The Gin Blossoms and never sags nor sours."
"This is the kind of album that seems to come out of nowhere and make an indelible mark on one's mind. The band has crafted an album of ear-catching guitar pop that features plenty of memorable guitar lines and smooth vocal harmonies. We've all heard this kind of stuff before, but rarely is it pulled off this well. Recalling the sound of groups like Toad the Wet Sprocket and the Jayhawks, the songwriting and song execution can also be compared to bands like the Thorns. All of this culminates on the tracks "Been So Long" and "Younger Yesterday." The arrangements are excellent, the instrumentation polished and every aspect of the record carefully set up. The Meadows haven't just crafted a good album; they've crafted a very good album that, quite frankly, I find impossible to dislike in any way. Pick this one up immediately." 4 stars
"This duo magically turns out one catchy song after the other. The Meadows can do one thing, and they do that bloody well. The opening song Been So Long straightaway is beautiful and in fact none of the other 11 songs on the cd is any less. The other attraction with the Meadows is that after a few concentrated listening sessions you get the feeling you've known the songs a lot longer than you actually have."
". . .Strong deeply melodic songs, simple yet moving, not ruined in production, fresh yet atmospheric. The Meadows relate tales of love and life. . .just bloody superb emotionally charged song bombs . . pulsating drums, bass, vocals, and a movement that will never fade away, give up, or fail you. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. . . just class. . . Applause please. 5 Stars."
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