Text by Randy Radic, Rawckus Magazine
“Marnie” opens on a soft guitar and Tapscott’s deliciously attractive tones. A galloping syncopated beat enters, infusing the tune with irresistible momentum, as sparkling guitar accents and pulsing keyboards color in the empty spaces. The shift to the chorus is seamless, while the chorus itself coruscates on a gleaming stream of hues.
Tapscott’s voice is, simply put, one of the most dulcet voices around, combining the best of Johnny Cash and Chris Isaak, full of creamy beguiling timbres. It’s one of those voices you actually focus on intently because you want to soak it up and enjoy it.
The lyrics tell the tale of “Marnie,” a woman and lover who has departed from the scene but not the narrator’s mind or heart. As he thinks of her, he wonders if she’s gone for good. There’s an emotional fervor, an urgent hesitance to his doubt, making the question all the more poignant.
Text by Russell Jalenik
San Francisco's Latitude released their debut album L'atitude this past June, which is a jangly exploration and reinterpretation of pop and rock and roll from the '60s through the 80's led by lead singer Amy Fowler's charm. Now they're back with some sweet visuals for their track "Say What You Mean."
Shot primarily on the most picturesque small stage in San Francisco (aka The Make Out Room), the video incorporates choppy dance moves that feel right at home with the eclectic rhythms. The video was edited by the talent Fowler herself, and was shot and directed by Justin Frahm, who mans the keys in Latitude in addition to being a purveyor of fine music in his own right. (Seriously, go listen to this). There's also a mysterious tie that binds that I'll let you interpret as you will... L'atitude is available via cassette via the always-solid Royal Oakie Records. (Side note: Royal Oakie's visual art direction is consistently some of the best around: I could spend hours pondering each of their album covers). Latitude performs Sunday night at Cafe du Nord with the amazing Danny James (backed by the also-amazing Once and Future Band) and former San Franciscan Bart Davenport. Expect good times.