August 31, 2013 - Pop That Goes Crunch!
Five More Top Notch 2013 Pop Releases From The Place Where Melody Is King Laurie Biagini, Sanctuary of Sound: Dusty Springfield would have made records like this had she hailed from Southern California. Biagini creates the sunniest possible mid-60s Sunshine Pop up in Vancouver, playing most of the instruments and handling the lead and backing vocals herself. The Beach Boys run all throughSanctuary of Sound. The album is so unrelentingly upbeat that I couldn’t stop tapping my foot and bopping my head as it played in the background while doing work earlier this week. Feel the warm sand between your toes.
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In this edition we (ahem) examine Laurie Biagini's most recent release Sanctuary of Sound. For those not up on their indie artists, Laurie Biagini is a singer-songwriter/keyboardist from Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, whose current cuts are influenced by artists such as early Brian Wilson/The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, The Beatles, The Byrds and Jan & Dean. Her new release contains 14 original offerings recorded “over the last year or so”. On this, her fourth release, Biagini is occasionally assisted by guest artists Vinnie Zummo and Fabrizio Serrecchia.
William PhoenixLA Music Examiner “Sanctuary of Sound” The album opens on the titular track “Sanctuary of Sound”. Here listeners are introduced to Serrecchia’s noteworthy guitar work as Biagini begins with a reverb-soaked song that is steeped in elements reminiscent of Lesley Gore, the Mamas and Papas and early girl groups (The Honeys, The Shangri-Las) in general. It’s even got a catchy beat.“Monkey Business” and “Beautiful World”The second selection is “Monkey Business”. This one drew mixed reactions from the critics in that the “jungle metaphors and tropical beat” might make it almost “too cute” even for Biagini. Still, one cannot deny that the underlying melody is actually somewhat sophisticated. It’s followed by“Beautiful World” which takes a tunefully optimistic look at life’s assorted adventures. “Rise Up” and “Shades of Green”The next number is titled “Rise Up”. This, too, contains a sophisticated melody and further demonstrates Biagini’s ability to compose pop pieces. The song “Shades of Green” comes in next as she continues expressing her musical muses via inspiration from popular 1960s acts keeping her signature sound very much intact “Gold Plated Girl” and “Run To The Sun”The sixth serving is the “Gold Plated Girl”which is a surprising, slightly satirical swipe of a song. It’s also a bit of a “party song” and is highlighted by an encore performance by Serrecchia on lead guitar.“Run To The Sun”, which introduces Zummo on guitar, all too quickly eclipses it though as the “one-woman-Beach- Boys” babe continues to work her surf music magic. ”Castle of Sand” and “Sunburn”Also included here are the oft’times overlooked ”Castle of Sand” and the summer song “Sunburn” which includes an encore by Serrecchia on lead guitar. They further illustrate both Biagini’s dedication to her favorite themes and tuneful trademarks as well as her true desire to move on a bit as well. ”Springtime of My Mind””Springtime of My Mind” picks up where the previous pieces left off as the music continues to sound wonderfully reminiscent of other 1960′s sunshine pop groups. By now it should be obvious to any listener that this new disc is destined to be deemed highly appropriate for warm weather listening. “Two of a Kind”“Two of a Kind” is an obvious love song and contains yet more of her classic ’60s-vintage pop-tinged tunes that has become an early fan favorite. It’s catchy and has a great hook which could be why Biagini approved the inclusion of this cut on the International Pop Overthrow 2012 compilation. “Perfect Thing to Say” and “Autumn Years”It’s followed by the piece “Perfect Thing to Say” and the awesome “Autumn Years”. While the former works well enough with the other tunes the latter is a bit more memorable. While the latter was criticized for borrowing “from the Siouxsie and the Banshees version of the Beatles’ ‘Dear Prudence’”, the truth is this is something that should be considered par for the course as Biagini has never denied paying tribute to any artist or band she enjoys. Serrecchia also returns once more on lead guitar. “Sunset”The sun sets on this disc of summer songs with the closing cut “Sunset”. This is the only song not totally composed by Biagini. This one is co-written with Zummo. It seems to be a tuneful tip of the hat to at least one of Biagini’s major influences—The Beach Boys. It features Zummo on lead guitar and backing vocals. It’s a most apt ending to Biagini’s latest (and some say) her best efforts. End-noteOverall, Sanctuary Of Sound remains true to Biagini’s signature sound with the welcome and expected layered vocals, noteworthy melodies and music reminiscent of Top 40 artists of the early 1960s. While some critics claim her lead vocals have “faded more into the mix”, your astute author sees this as more a demonstration of her being secure enough to let the music meld together in a more overall effective mix. As to the claim that “there isn’t a lot of variety in her approach”, she should be commended for staying true to her own artistic vision of 1960's-tinged tracks complete with universal themes and musical metaphors for life. Check out Laurie Biagini’s Sanctuary Of Sound and you just might feel the urge to “Run To The Sun”. My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line. July 31, 2013 - Shockpop!Three Queens of Pop - Laurie Biagini!
Fill your house with the power pop sounds of Biagini, Celsi, and Mychols this year! This handful of current releases from three Queens of Independent Pop are guaranteed to fill your musical coffers with hours of indie gold! Laurie Biagini "Sanctuary of Sound" (2013) The "Queen of Surf-Pop" Laurie Biagini does what Laurie does best... effortlessly channels the good vibrations of classic surf tunes and morphs them into her version of what sun drenched surf inspired pop should be. Add this CD to your library and hold on for an endless summer of tuneful fun that will brighten even your stormiest day. June 24, 2013 - Broken Hearted Toy
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2013 CD Review: Laurie Biagini - Sanctuary Of Sound Judging from song titles like “Run To The Sun,” “Sunburn,” and “Springtime Of My Mind,” it seems likely singer-songwriter Laurie Biagini released her fourth CD to coincide with the warmer weather. Sanctuary Of Sound is like a refreshment stand on the beach, serving up easy-going arrangements, layered vocals, and enticing melodies to people looking to have fun. Like Lisa Mychols, whose Above, Beyond And In Between CD was reviewed here last week, Biagini often draws inspiration from Top 40 hits of the early 1960s. Biagini definitely takes a hand-on approach; creating her own back-up vocals and playing most of the instruments. There isn’t a lot of variety in her approach, but each song is distinctive enough to stand on its own. The mood throughout Sanctuary Of Sound is upbeat, with the occasional satirical jab like “Gold Plated Girl,” a party song augmented by guest guitarist, Fabrizio Serrecchia. “Monkey Business,” with its jungle metaphors and tropical beat, is the only track that gets a little too cute. The catchy “Two Of A Kind,” which also appeared on the International Pop Overthrow 2012 compilation, is a clever and touching love song, and “Beautiful World” takes an optimistic view of life’s adventures. “Sunset,” co-written with Vinnie Zummo and featuring his guitar playing and backup vocals, is a gorgeous homage to The Beach Boys, while the title track taps into Lesley Gore and the girl group sound. Biagini isn’t limited to nostalgia on Sanctuary Of Sound, though. “Rise Up” shows the power pop craftsmanship so often seen in songs by Shoes. - Terry Flamm June 20, 2013 - Powerpopaholic
Laurie Biagini “Sanctuary of Sound” This is the fourth LP by Vancouver singer/songwriter Biagini, and I’m glad summer is finally here. Often referred to as a “One-Woman-Beach-Boys,” she also takes her cues from The Honeys and The Shangri-Las. The title track has a Mamas and Papas feel, with its sparkling harmonies and catchy beat. Her songwriting has definitely improved as “Monkey Business” and “Rise Up” boast sophisticated melodies. Echoes of other 60′s sunshine pop bands can be felt in “Shades of Green” and “Springtime of My Mind.” The albums middle boasts the surfer style we are familiar with like “Gold Plated Girl” and “Run To The Sun.” If I nit-pick, I will say Laurie’s lead vocal has faded more into the mix, but overall this music is a bright summer treat. BLOODY RED BARON early June reviews by Mike Baron
LAURIE BIAGINI: Sanctuary of Sound Drawing inspiration from the Beach Boys and surf music in general Vancouver’s Laurie Biagini has forged an addictive sound that is part tart, part sweet and pure imagination. Utilizing flattened notes on every song she weaves a hypnotic spell suitable for surfing, cruising and grooving. All of her influences are on display in the anthemic “Rise Up” which weaves together Brill Bdlg. pop, the Rolling Stones, Michael Brown and the Beach Boys. ”Run to the Sun” is the closest you’ll hear to a new Beach Boys song, right up there with Jeffrey Foskett’s “Through My Window,” but from an earlier period. ”Springtime of My Mind” has a Band meets Jan & Dean vibe with that irresistible flattened chord while “Two Of a Kind” recalls Ronnie and the Daytonas. But it’s all original, and it builds momentum as it unrolls. Biagini is a One Man Band and plays virtually every instrument herself save for a couple of guest guitar solos. Her piano playing is superb as is her drumming. Top Ten contender. Four and a half stars June 1, 2013 - SEGARINI - DON'T BELIEVE A WORD I SAY (WORDPRESS.COM)
JAIMIE VERNON – May DISCoveries LAURIE BIAGINI – ‘Sanctuary of Sound’ (CD) How do I love thee, Laurie Biagini? Let me count the ways. One through fourteen ways! After falling hard for her ‘A Go Go Girl In a Modern World’ CD in 2011, Biagini had released album number after working diligently for 18 months in her home studio crafting more songs about the summer, the sun, the sand and any activity you might enjoy in the company of each. It might sound a lot like ‘Pet Sounds’ era Beach Boys at first blush, but Ms. B. doesn’t hesitate to shuffle the lyrical deck with tunes like “Monkey Business” www.youtube.com/watch?v=3USj2YADxaUand the eat-the-rich commentary of “Gold Plated Girl”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT5u1pAOOko. She also incorporates plenty of psych-era Sunshine Pop with the title track, “Beautiful World” and “Castle of Sand” among others. Where this album differs from her previous efforts is in the improved production and especially her singing (though this listener would love to hear less Phil Spector reverb and more breathy Biagini up close in the mix). She also takes some progressive risks on tunes like “Springtime of My Mind”, “Autumn Years” and the Vinnie Zummo hauntingly beautiful co-write “Sunset”. This is a hell of a production which pits Biagini against herself as writer, producer, engineer and star performer – she plays every instrument except some additional guitar added – in virtual time – by New York’s Zummo and Roma, Italy’s Fabrizio Serrecchia. http://www.lauriebiagini.com/ May 30, 2013 - The Georgia Straight
Laurie Biagini's Sanctuary of Sound is magic '60s-vintage pop by MIKE USINGER on MAY 30, 2013 at 3:00 AMGood God, lady—where have you been hiding? Based on the first-listen wonder that is Sanctuary of Sound, Laurie Biagini won’t be flying under the radar for long. Remember that warm and fuzzy feeling you got the first time you heard the Velvet Underground, Mazzy Star, Camera Obscura, or the Dum Dum Girls? Get ready to live the magic all over again, right from the album’s reverb-drenched opening track, “Two of a Kind”. This is classic ’60s-vintage pop given a psycho-candy coating, the whole thing held together by Biagini’s winsome vocals and effortless understanding of what makes a lethal hook. So, who cares if the kaleidoscopic “Autumn Years” borrows a little from the Siouxsie and the Banshees version of the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence”, or if “Monkey Business” skirts dangerously close to being too cute for its own good unless you’re an easily excited kid looking for something cooler than the Doodlebops? Those aren’t even minor quibbles—more like needless nitpicking. Standing back and looking at the big, golden picture, Sanctuary of Sound is a serious runner for local revelation of the year. Biagini might have been hanging back in the shadows until now, but she’s just served notice that she’s ready for her coming-out party. May 14, 2013 - The Province
Summer means fun isn’t only a surfing song by Bruce And Terry, for the past summers this also has meant a new album from Laurie Biagini. Fans of ’60s pop-rock will like her Sanctuary Of Sound. ~Tom Harrison |