Release Date: May 29, 2012
The Big Takeover by Jack Rabid (Issue No. 70 – May 2012)
I may have jumped the gun (but not the shark) with my review last issue of an advance copy of this Beantown power-pop rocker’s second LP, with guest spots from ‘60s legend The Small Faces’ Ian McLagan and Amy Rigby, among many. Because now that it’s officially released, it has a new title, and more importantly, has been thoroughly remixed by Ed Stasium, who’s earned respect from his production of the ‘70s Ramones to his expert mix of Nada Surf’s The Weight Is A Gift. The result is the same cool record – which I loosely referenced The Posies, Andrew Gold, Terry Jacks, and Big Star’s “laaaaa-laaaaa” backing vocals in describing, – only it sounds even better. This, also, remains true: “His tunes and good guy personality/voice are for cheerfully whistling while you work.
Ghettoblaster Magazine by Gregg Coleman (Issue 31 – May 2012)
Powerpop doesn’t usually grab the sort of critical acclaim some of the more esoteric genres do. What’s accessible can feel a little too easy for those of us who’ve spent hours listening to freak folk or acid metal. It’s a shame though and Peter Baldrachi’s a great example of why. It takes a few listens before realizing the highly respectable veins that this singer songwriter pulls from and why that makes it ok to like him. Paul Westerberg, Matthew Sweet, Big Star – nothing bad about any of those guys. Just enough country to give it soul and just enough melody to give it pop, this guilty pleasure feels less and less guilty every time you hear it.
PowerPopaholic.com (June 2012)
Just in case you missed Baldrachi’s release last year, he mentioned to me that he felt the album was kind of rushed out and wasn’t too happy with the mixes. Well… Back To The Start is a re-boot for Baldrachi. All the tracks have been remixed and mastered by Ed Stasium (Ramones, Mick Jagger, The Smithereens, Reverend Horton Heat, Nada Surf) at The Kozy Tone Ranch. Plus a new song “Picture On My Wall” is included and like the rest of the album it’s excellent. Peter is assisted by guitarist, bassist, and arranger Gary Rand, keyboardists Dave Lieb (The Vinyl Skyway) and Peter Linnane (The Farewells), backing vocalists Alice Austin (The Lavas, Stark Raving Mad) and Amy Fairchild, 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee keyboardist Ian McLagan (Faces, The Rolling Stones, Billy Bragg), singer/songwriter Amy Rigby (solo, Wreckless Eric), multi-instrumentalist Ian Kennedy (Reverse, Dennis Brennan), and cellist Aristides Rivas. The songs shine just as brightly as before, if not more so with the new mastering. It made my top ten list last year. You have no excuses! Get this one! (9 out of 10)
Pop Geek Heaven by Mike Baron (May 2012)
Boston-based singer/rocker Baldrachi releases a strong set of rave-ups, rockers and ballads loaded with hooks and Gary Rand’s wildly expressive guitar. ”In the Dead of Night” opens with power chords and a righteous hook with backing chorus. ”Make It On Our Own” is an anthem to independence with a locomotive beat and good bones. ”Promise Me a New Start” with its acoustic intro and harmony by Amy Rigby is very Mellencamp/Scarecrow in sound and theme, about a guy looking for a new start. Three smart fast rockers to start. “Pray For Rain” sounds like Nashville power pop, guitars speaking with a southern twang and echoes of Buffalo Springfield. ”Pick Up the Pieces” exudes a sweet country vibe thanks to the mandolin. ”Someone Isn’t Me” is major-chord full-throated rock with Rand laying it down like Van Halen. The C,S and Nashish “In the Name of Love” has that Laurel Canyon lilt, acoustic guitars. Even without the backing vocals it sounds great. I also like how their logo resembles the old Blue Note mark.
Four stars.
Daggerzine.com (November 2012)
Boston guy who looks like he could play a sinister criminal is any # of Hollywood films (character actor?). Musically, I thought had been around forever but his first solo record 2006, still though, this is good punchy power pop with plenty o;’ hooks and strong songwriting. Hollywood or a music career? You decide, Peter.
ALBUM NOTES:
Back To The Start was a collaborative effort, especially Gary Rand who played guitar, bass, and arranged the backing vocal harmonies, as well as co-writing many of the album’s tracks with me. Many other guests lent their efforts as well including Alice Austin and Amy Fairchild who contributed backing vocals to several tracks, keyboardist Dave Lieb, Amy Rigby (vocals on “Promise Me A New Start”), 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ian McLagan (Hammond B3 and Wurlitzer on “Now For Good”), Peter Linnane (piano on “Pick Up The Pieces” and “Release Me”), Ian Kennedy (violin and mandolin on “Pick Up The Pieces”), Aristides Rivas (cello on “Lose It All,” and “Release Me”) and producer extraordinaire Ed Stadium, who added his golden touch to several tracks. Special thanks go to KRM, Corbin, and the folks at Kissy Pig Studios, and to Ed Stasium at The Kozy Tone Ranch for mixing and mastering the record.
CREDITS:
PETER BALDRACHI – Lead Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Piano, Backing Vocals
GARY RAND – Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Lead Guitar, Bass, Vibes,
Piano, Backing Vocals
DAVE LIEB – Wurlitzer and Hammond B3; Piano on “Someone Isn’t Me” & “Pray For Rain”
ALICE AUSTIN – Backing Vocals (tracks 4, 7, 10, 12)
AMY FAIRCHILD – Backing Vocals (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9)
IAN McLAGAN – Wurlitzer and Hammond B3 on “Now For Good”
AMY RIGBY – Vocals on “Promise Me A New Start”
IAN KENNEDY – Mandolin and Violin on “Pick Up The Pieces”
ARISTIDES RIVAS – Cello on “Lose It All” and “Release Me”
PETER LINNANE – Piano on “Pick Up The Pieces”; Piano & Hammond B3 on “Release Me”
ED STASIUM – Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Percussion and Mellotron
Produced by Peter Baldrachi and Gary Rand
Additional Production on tracks 2, 6, 8 and 9 by Ed Stasium
Recorded & Engineered by K.R. Mogenson at Kissy Pig Studios, Allston, MA
Mixed & Mastered by Ed Stasium at Kozy Tone Ranch, Durango, CO
Edited by Corbin Smith
Backing vocals arranged by Gary Rand except track 12 by Gary Rand & Mark Hennessey
Layout and Design by Francisco Gonzalez Graphic Design
Photography by Paul Janovitz Photography
“Fury” by Godi
All songs written by Peter Baldrachi & Gary Rand
Except tracks 6, 11,12 written by Peter Baldrachi
Crash Boom Bam Music (ASCAP)/Gleason Rand Music (ASCAP)