Soft Jam from Doug Tuttle

I really love the work of Trouble in Mind Records. What I love the most is the diversity of the label, tossing out rockers like Omni or Rays, then bringing us something softer like this new Doug Tuttle. From the moment you press play, you’re immersed in this wonderful world filled with strings and horn accompaniment. The approach of this song fits perfectly with the album art of Peace Potato, as you can see Tuttle walking into the stars…you should feel as if you’re doing the same when this number reaches your ears. This is a far cry from his work in MMOSS, so look for the new album on May 5th.

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New Doug Tuttle Track

dougSuch a wonderful treat to get a new Doug Tuttle track before we take a little bit of a holiday break. I loved his first solo release since the end of MMOSS, and he picks up right where he left off, if not going further into the realm of sunny guitar pop. It’s the sort of track that takes on a casual tone when it first meets your ears, but the fuzzy guitar noodling and his airy voice carry you the rest of the way. Seems like we’re in for a treat when his new effort, It Calls On Me, hits on February 19th via Trouble In Mind…an always trustworthy choice.

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Doug Tuttle – s/t

dougtuttleRating: ★★★½☆

What does one do when the project they’ve devote their time to dissolves?  For Doug Tuttle, there was only one option: forge ahead.  His self-titled effort is his first effort since MMOSS broke-up, but in all honesty, it’s ultimately more rewarding than his previous work; he seems to have found his own way while writing these songs.

“With Us Soon” takes listeners back a few decades with a sun-coated psychedelia, accented by an instrumental buzz that works its way in and out of the track.  But, most importantly, the underlying current is one of a pop-centric songwriter; this attitude will unfold further as your listen continues. While the following tune “Forget the Days” does wear some of the influences of Doug Tuttle‘s past, including the throbbing bass work, it’s the way his voice drifts carefully over every inch of the song, lightly bouncing along and giving a warmth to the listener’s ear.

Tuttle doesn’t shy away from his past too often, with most songs including the dreaded psych nod, but even when the song indulges a great deal, there’s clearly something working beneath.  “Turn This Love” is filled with a noodling guitar that perhaps goes on solo for too long, but the chorus alone warrant many repeated listens.  It’s a dreamy vocal that you’d easily find haunting any music head’s secret play list.  Of course, those indulgences do go too far on occasion, like in the following track, “Where Your Plant Love Is…Where It Grows.”  What can I say? I’m a vocals guy, and it just doesn’t do it for me here.

For my tastes, Doug Tuttle does succeed when he lets his inner songwriter shine, making things simpler and more focused.  My favorite track is “I Will Leave,” which comes near the end of the effort.  There’s a simple sincerity to the track, with just a hint of California jangle seeping into the guitar.  The vocal is steady, showing just what a voice Doug’s got, and possibly hinting at the future. There are hints at his songwriting prowess throughout, especially with a song like “Better Day” wrapping things up, so the record really ends on a high-note, closing with a wonderful 1-2 punch.

I imagine it’s hard to leave your past behind, and it’s clear that Doug Tuttle just isn’t there, and maybe he doesn’t need to leave it all behind.  He takes all the bits and pieces of his previous work while weaving a narrative of his own.  It’s a self-titled record that’s strong from start to finish, and far more than just a record wearing psychedelic influences.  You’ll love the melodies and the craftsmanship, and you might find that Doug Tuttle is the only thing you need right now.

New Jam from Doug Tuttle

TIM065.Doug.Tuttle.LPjktYou might recognize Doug Tuttle as one of the members of MMOSS, but you’re going to find a bit of a different feeling when you delve into the music he’s created under his own name.  I can still hear those sunny harmonic elements that were turned upside down with psychedelia, but there’s more of a focus here on the emotive pull that’s created by the percussion and the gentle vibe of the vocals.  You’ll also find a soloing guitar that works itself through the middle of the track, perhaps allowing Tuttle to hold onto his more experimental touches.  It’s a nice solid number, and you can grab it off his self-titled record, which is being released by Trouble in Mind Records on January 28th.

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New Jam from MMOSS

If you haven’t heard of MMOSS, then I suggest you trudge back in time and find yourself a copy of i; it was one of those records I honestly adored so much that I really didn’t share it with too many people.  Now, they’ve got a new effort coming out on one of my favorite labels, Trouble In Mind, and this first single is pretty remarkable if you consider the group recorded the entire upcoming album, Only Children, at home.  This first track from the LP has this rise and fall quality of sounds, yet it is able to hold onto this mesmerizing emotional pull that evolves just as the song does.  Definitely mark your calendars for November 13th, as you’ll get a chance to hear more from these New Hampshire lads.

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Download:MMOSS – Another Dream [MP3]