Paul Collins Feel The Noise – In Raleigh 10/28
Paul Collins is back in a big way with this latest release. Feel the Noise is a document that proclaims loud and clear – Collins really is the “King of Power Pop”.
Like his last effort (called King of Power Pop, of course), this one is produced again by Jim Diamond. And Diamond plays bass here and there. However, Feel The Noise is much more a return to form, a slice of vintage Paul Collins from back in the glory days of the late 70’s and early 80’s. Several of these songs are powerpop classics for a new age, harkening back to days gone by while still sounding fresh and vital – and with more hooks packed in it than a grandaddy catfish.
“I Need My Rock n’ Roll” is about as catchy a single as you’ll hear this year while Collins channels early Beatles with “With a Girl Like You” – a track that would have fit well on Beatles For Sale. Steve Huff, he of the original Paul Collins Beat, co-wrote the next tune, “For Your Eyes to See”. This is vintage Paul Collins Beat and packs as much punch as anything Collins has done in his 30+ year career.
Next, Collins brings back The Nerves’ Little Suzy and really rocks. He channels his inner Buddy Holly with “Baby I’m in Love With You” and does a pretty fair cover of “Reach Out and I’ll Be there”. The disc ends with “Walk Away”, a slower number and an instant classic. Its sly genius.
To top it off, we in central North Carolina have a chance to catch Paul in action – right here in Raleigh. He’ll be appearing at The Poor House on October 28. Its an opportunity to see and hear one of rock’s true treasures and a guy who has become an even better showman with age. His live shows pack more energy than a steroid shot with an energy drink chaser.
