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Casey pulls ‘Clay Aiken’ with CD
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Also by Mary Alice Merchant:
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With unperturbed expressions jacketing their faces, J.D. Fortune and Marty Casey stood on the stage as if it were a balance beam. Although externally composed, they internally struggled to maintain their poise as 15 million hushed viewers witnessed the unraveling of their futures.
The gig was CBS's summer guilty-pleasure "Rockstar: INXS," and Fortune was revealed the winner. His prize was the position as front man for the widely-popular Australian rock band INXS. Casey, on the other hand, as runner-up, would most likely pack his bags and head home to Chicago, where he would rejoin forces with his band, the Lovehammers, and melt away from the popular eye.
Or so he thought.
Fast-forward six months to the present day and discover Marty Casey & Lovehammers having just released a self-titled album under Epic's esteemed label and performing as the opening act on INXS's world-wide tour.
In retrospect, it appears as if Casey was handed the better end of the deal. While INXS has been accused of cheapening their image by headlining a reality show, "Rockstar" did nothing but skyrocket the Lovehammers' career. Having been a fan favorite and the predicted winner, Casey used his established popularity to shepherd his band from a Chicago favorite to an overnight global phenomenon.
And unlike Fortune and the newly reshaped INXS, Marty Casey & Lovehammers have nothing to prove. They're able to take risks without worrying about hungry critics or hostile fans. And with their eclectic eponymous release, the Chicagoans offer a collection of 11 diverse, neo-grunge tracks, reminiscent of the polished rock sound that dominated mainstream airwaves almost a decade ago.
The Lovehammers, comprised of Casey, guitarist Billy Sawilchik, bassist Dino Kourelis and drummer Bobby Kourelis, cohere so seamlessly and irreplaceably well together, fans must have been jumping up and down when Casey was not named the victor on "Rockstar." Time will tell if Fortune was the right choice for INXS, but it's already clear that Casey belongs nowhere else but with the Lovehammers.
The band offers ripe instrumentals, rippling melodies and rallying vocals, alluding to the era when authentic rock groups like Bush and Stone Temple Pilots ruled the radio. Their latest album is an experimental collage of different sounds, distinct melodies and diverse production techniques fit together in a way that constructs a bright but shattered mosaic.
It may be easy for the untrained ear to doubt the authenticity of Casey and company. Sure, they have the legendary Dave Navarro's approval, but reality TV is notorious for producing short-lived, over-hyped, artistically-inflated flops (for some reason O-Town comes to mind). And who would believe that Casey — a guy with such cover-model, pencil-thin good looks that he makes the otherwise dreamy Ashley Parker Angel look barbaric — could legitimately rock with the big boys?
But doubters, beware, Marty Casey & Lovehammers are the real deal. Minus the leading track, "Casualty," the entirety of their latest release stems from their pre-"Rockstar" repertoire, compiling what Casey refers to as the band's greatest hits record. "Casualty," sure to soon be released as a single, displays the band's maturity and its uncanny ability to streamline rock without bowing to pop culture.
Similarly, the album's first single, "Trees," an amped-up version of the song made famous by Casey's performance on "Rockstar," may be corny ("You and me up in the trees /And the forest will give us the answer") but, like "Casualty," it's a hook guaranteed to catch first-time rock listeners while still impressing loyal fans.
Casey, a blond, Britney-inspired bombshell, may inhale pop, but he exhales a sound that can be described as nothing less than pure rock. Just listen to "Clinic," the scratchy, grungy track reminiscent of the sound currently ignored by mainstream airwaves and heard only on the sound speakers in ill-lit record stores.
"Clinic" may scream fire in a very raspy voice, but the mellow tracks like "Rain on the Brain" and "Clouds" showcase the band's diverse dynamic by resonating a sense of inspiration without carrying that annoying emo whine.
Perhaps, yes, their sound would have gone unnoticed ten years ago, evaporated in the pool of talented rivals. But the release of their major-label debut comes at an ideal time, when rock truly needs a makeover. Plagued by the boring and blockheaded sounds from groups like Nickelback and Puddle of Mudd, the good ol' rock-and-roll needs a resurrection, and Marty Casey & Lovehammers just might carry the appropriate tools.
Known as a band best heard live, they've still managed to create a brilliantly crafted and electrifying raw album sure to push them beyond the realm of celebrity. And they've proven to us all that the losers really do get lucky sometimes.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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Glad to read the review. This really is a great CD. Not a single bad song on it.
What a totally wonderful review, very well thought out and tells us the way you saw and heard the concert. Thank you. Hope they go “to the clouds.”
You got it mate! Love rock? Love Lovehammers!
I just adored Marty on the show just as I adored Clay Aiken!!!Both have superior talent…I couldn’t take my eyes off Marty. Wow!!!
Lovehammers is the best band I have heard in over a decade. I had the honor of being at their Metro concert in Chicago November 23, 2005 and was totally blown away. If you love your rock down and dirty, this is the band for you. BUY THE CD NOW AND GET HAMMERED!
Thanks for a really thoughtful review! You hit the nail on the head by capturing what makes the ‘Hammers such a great band and why their new release is such a great CD.
I loved Marty Casey on Rockstar. I’m going to have to check out his album. I did not like the Trees song though.
I’m with you 200%! Lovehammers rock on!
I was drawn to your article and totally agree with you. I wanted both Clay and Marty to win and it is a blessing in disguise. Coming in second is a good thing. They both have so much more to offer than being tied down to a contract. I saw Clay in Portland, Oregon and Eugene, Oregon in November and both of his concerts were wonderful. I saw Marty this last Friday in Lincoln City, Oregon and it was awesome. I even got his autograph. There were so many fans there to see Marty. Thanks for a great article.
The Lovehammers Rock. Thanks for a great review!
Well, Mary sure seems to be in the minority on this one. Concert reviews of the first half dozen shows have so far labelled Casey as everything from mediocre to uninspired. While INXS’ heyday definitely was perhaps the 80’s, the Lovehammers sound like their best days were back then too. Mr. Casey, your about 13 minutes into your 15 minutes of fame. Meanwhile, INXS’ Switch has gone Gold in the US, Gold in Australia and Platinum in Canada.
Ive just read some negative feed back. Saying marty casey & lovehammers sound like they are from the 80s and mediocre. And they are on their way out soon. My reply is this. They recorded most of the stuff on their new album in the 90s. This was done for their followers of over 10 yrs. But mostly it was done to introduce new fans to who they were; and who they are now. Their next album will be all new stuff. And it will be current with todays sound but with a raw lovehammers style. Also i am curious to see if the inxs shows without lovehammers opening 2 months from now; will be sold out. Rumor has it that 75% of the audience bought inxs tickets just to see the opening act. I could be wrong, but this is what im hearing. Lastly, JD Fortune is a good asset to inxs. In my opinion the only good songs on the album are the ones he wrote.
May i just add that when i saw JD Fortune get the job as lead singer of INXS, all you could see on my face was a look of confusion… For many weeks leading up to the finale, it seemed like the show was centered around Marty Casey. THE FAN FAVORITE. It was almost like watching a soap opera and following the characters to the point where you know whats going to happen. then the writers pull the old bait and switch on you for a shocking ending. NO wonder INXS titled their album switch (hee hee) . Well they did Marty a favor. Because the many songs they pre-wrote are; well, lets just say they did Marty a favor…
To say that Marty is mediocre is simply redicilous, not even offensive to his fans. He is an exceptional performer, whether on TV or live. Performers like this are rare, he also writes great emotional songs with great melodies and only going to get better. So, no need to worry about Marty Casey and LH, they are going to have long and successful carrier, this is a sure thing!!!
Hi!! I saw Marty for the fist time live in Atlantic City, NJ 2/11/06 Yes that was the BLIZZARD!!!!! I have to tell you they Rocked, I was so moved by the preformance that I ran to the store the next day “YES< In the Blizzard” to get the CD. He is a wonderful preformer and them signing autographs after the show was great. I didn’t get one because I HAD A DRIVER PICKING ME UP to take me home so I didn’t get to meet them. however, I was at the show that following Fri. night in Pa @ Tower Theater,but i got their late do to the other person I was taking to show had worked that day and we got their late so we missed most of his show..(SAD FACE!!) I have to let everyone know I am hooked on the CD, I don’t leave home without it, lisen to it everyday. I look forward to seeing them again soon. The word on the LoveHammers from what everyone I talk to at the shows ( And I Talk to EVERYONE, my mouth goes on and ON!!!) is that they loved it. even asked where to get the CD, I told them to check on their way out to purchase itg. I dfidn’t know they were selling them until PA show. I went to local music store. I loved meeting their streetteam personel. Loved the buttons!!!! wear it PROUDLY!!!! I would love to help band out anyway I could, Please email me if I could HELP OUT OK……ROCK On Great Show Loved IT>>>>>>.
He can aspire to Clay Aiken…then he might reach real stardom!
I heard about the INXS Rockstar programme, but never tuned in since I dread watching reality shows. When tickets went on sale for the Atlanta 2/11/2006 show, I could not refuse since INXS has my favourite band since seeing them at Six Flags in 1984 opening for the Go-Go’s. Well, it looks like history has repeated itself. This band unknown to me—the Lovehammers—really rocked the house. I can’t get the tree song out of my head.
I can’t wait to see who opens up for them in 20 years!
Yes I was a fan of the reality show ROCKSTAR INXS and Marty and JD were both favorites of mine, though I thought JD was best for the band INXS I also rooted for Marty because I knew he was a talent and I wanted to see more of him. How happy I was when JD was picked as the front man for INXS but also overjoyed when they invited MARTY CASEY to be the opening for the upcoming tour. I anxiously awaited the tour and was lucky enough to see them in Oakland, Ca. on 1-23-06. What a night that was. All I knew of Marty was from the ROCKSTAR show so I did not know any songs except Trees. I must tell you I loved everysong the LOVEHAMMERS performed and I rushed out the following day to buy the album that was released the day after my concert. Now that I know every song word for word I can not wait until LOVEHAMMERS tour again. Please Marty bring the LOVEHAMMERS back to California again to tour. I have tickets for the second leg of INXS tour, how I wished the LOVEHAMMERS were still touring with INXS. Hurry back to see us is California Marty. Until then I anxiously await word on your upcoming tours. YOU ROCKED THE HOUSE!!!!!!
This band absolutely rocks the walls. I bought 3 Cd’s and a Tee to help promote them. KEEP THE MUSIC FLOWING.
San Diego, CA
I love Marty Casey and the Lovehammers, but I have never seen them in concert. I love their new album.I see bright futures for this band and I’m sticking with them.