ANDYconrad: REVIEWS

Forward-thinking style.
Reviewer: Playback Magazine
Andy Conrad: Artificial Junk (SeaRad Music) Occasionally, an artist from our fair city releases a super-clean and crisply produced disc of well-written, progressive-sounding material that is more than worthy of being found on record store shelves nationwide. Artificial Junk, the latest solo disc from former Colony member Andy Conrad, is a prime example of CDs that fall into this all-too-elusive category. Written and recorded in Conrad’s cleverly titled home-based BassMint studios, the 16 tracks are primarily cut from the same fabric that artists such as Elliot Smith used, but there also are a fair number of odd but appealing Ween-like instrumentals (“Birthday Collage,” “Sailing for Lanai,” “Bright Eyes Worn Off”). Conrad is both the captain and crew of this ship; he plays all of the instruments himself, which include unusual oddities such as buckets, chairs, and what he refers to as “gadgets.” He also designed the colorful, swirling images on the CD’s covers. Bits of additional musical and engineering contributions are provided on a few tracks by some of Conrad’s friends and colleagues. Conrad has made a complete departure from the Colony sound, now focusing on creating a more forward-thinking style that he can truly call his own. Artificial Junk is available at Wherehouse Music or cdbaby.com. (MU)

Andy Conrad & the Bellheads:
Everyday Peepholes (self-released)
Andy Conrad is one heck of a musician and songwriter. Following his previous effort, Artificial Junk, Conrad builds on his beautifully crafted pop/ambient melodies and sexy crooner vocals. This new trio, all former members of St. Louis’ Colony, blends well-crafted rhythms, harmonies, and funky samples into a noteworthy effort. Everyday Peepholes is chock-full of varied instrumentation, making for one highly addictive listen. Temper any comparisons to certain British pop artists; Andy Conrad & the Bellheads have come up with something new. | Mary Beth Hascall

Andy Conrad- Artificial Junk CD review

Artificial : lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
Junk : Clutter: Something of poor quality: Trash: something of little meaning, worth, or significance

That is how you would determine this CD if you took the title seriously through Mr. Webster! What does that mean, nothing, absolutely nothing. There is nothing contrived or lacking (except you may need prozac after listening) about the original and progressive zenith Andy Conrad blends into his unique brand of thought provoking dark songs about waking up on the wrong side of life. There is meaning laid in each of the tracks too, sometimes deeper than you may care, but still there. Andy Conrad seems like the type of a person who may try and get you to believe there are many more parts to a ball bearing than meets the eye, and may even succeed in convincing you.



In the world of pop music today, there aren't many who really go out on an edge for you and are not afraid of the fall. Andy Conrad takes those chances here on Artificial Junkand the end result is a wonderful sounding CD that brings flavors of Alt. Country, pop, rock, Americana and his down trodden vocals that tend to put you on the same level as he is, or so it would seem. I like the fact that I can hear some elements of another favorite singer-songwriter of mine, Gus Black, both in the style and the vocal presence. That is not to say that Andy Conrad copies anyone, rather this CD gives you more of an insight of what perhaps the Beatles would have been experimenting with were they still alive and together today.



The sometimes bleak outlook on life is actually refreshing, that may sound strange, but this disk deals more with feeling the life around us than the use and abuse attitude that can get shoved at us from all angles of the pop world today. A fresh sound that is bright, clear and crisp, and intoxicating. Andy Conrad proves he is in a musically different space than virtually all of his contemporaries and places himself in a category of his own. To say I like this disk could be the understatement of the times, this infectious music keeps pulling you back in, and holding you in a trance like state until it is finished with you (it is NEVER finished with you).



Like the late night snack or early morning drink, Kansas City's Andy Conrad blends his thoughts, emotions and soul out on his digital sleeve for all to see, and I have to say this is probably the most unique CD you will listen to this year. A great sound that has Andy Conrad getting us to believe the world is a big ol' scary place, and there may be no safety, or way out. The intense vibes offered are an incredible testimony to indie pop music today, and I am looking forward to more to come from Andy Conrad and if you allow yourself the freedom of listening, you will too. A bit strange at places, nicely though, and captivating, tunes like "Artificial Junk", "Emptiness Is Golden", and "Don't Miss Me Again" are both compelling and disturbing, and offer up a good starting point to a psychological journey. Get this, the songs actually have meaning and substance, novel idea, huh?



( 5.5 Stars out of 6 )

'Everyday Peepholes' is anything but everyday music; there is real introspection in the songs with true meaning. Andy Conrad's leanings toward the songwriting skills of Ray and Dave Davies abound and the social comment is not only relevant but phrased well. The band, The Bellheads, play tightly but with that degree of looseness that comes with knowing one anothers' roles. Just listen to that percussion on track 5,wow! The Hampton Family is pure retro and will carry many a listener back to those heady days and for a pure instrumental, try Terry Carroll. Don't by-pass this album.