In The Zone - Mick Medew and Ursula (I-94 Bar Records)
Hello I-94 Barflies. Well folks, The Farmhouse has been rocking this past week because I’ve been listening to the new Mick Medew and Ursula “In The Zone”. What a follow up to “Love Is Calling”.
“In The Zone” is classic Mick but what makes this so interesting is how Ms Ursula has taken over some of the songwriting duties to come up with some bloody classic tunes
Mick and Ursula have been joined in the studio by Mick’s Mesmerisers bandmate, the wonderful Lois Andrews, on bass guitar and newcomer Stuart McLaughlin on drums. Ex-Mesmeriser Brian Mann also lent a hand on production while contributing some guitar, drums, bass and vocal parts.
Okay Barflies I will give you a little take on each track:
“Surfing On The Waves”: Fabulous surf punk song. Great opening track.
“Punk Grandma”: How catchy is this song! Ursula just shines on vocals, whooping it up at the end. The B52s had nothing on this.
“In The Zone”: Some stunning guitar playing on this track. It could sit comfortably on any Screaming Tribesmen album.
“In My Room”: Foot-stomping, head-banging - and that Medew voice.
“God Bless Yoko Ono”: I’ll be honest. When I saw there was a song about Yoko, I thought: “WTF”. Well, it’s not often that I push that button that repeats a track in my player but after my first listen, that’s what I did. This is brilliant, the song is so funny. It will make you dance and smile and maybe laugh your head off like I did. A wonderful tune.
“Sleeping Sun”: his is classic Mick. Wonderful songwriting and that voice that just melts hearts.
“Got It Going On”: A lovely song about falling in love or being in love.
“Man In The Moon”: Some great keys really bring this song to life, along with some wonderful backing vocals. Love this song.
“Invisible Woman”: Anyone over a certain age will relate to the great lyric that Ursula has written. This song has a rocking guitar line. The drumming is so good, and the mix of the vocals is amazing. Brilliant song. Turn it up loud.
“She’s Only Happy When She’s Drinking”: A little country number to end this fab album. This one reminds me of the old Skyhooks song, “Blue Jeans”. Please, don’t get me wrong, it’s not ripping off, but those deep backing vocals triggered something in my brain.
Well, Barflies, this is an awesome CD and highly recommended if you want to enjoy some mighty fine songs that will keep you smiling…and singing “Yoko” to yourself for days to come.
Available here. Get in quick or risk missing out. - Ronald Brown
Six Beers please Barman and a Glass of White Wine
It’s been a couple of years since Mick Medew and Ursula released their COVID album, “Love Is Calling”, a collection of unique songs where the sounds of ‘80s pop synth, played on a keyboard that sounded like it was retrieved from a council clean-up, were crossed with clever guitar lines.
It was an album full of pop melodies and cool indie rock cred. The vocal pairing of MickMedew and life and musical partner Ursula had natural warmth. The songs were infectious and were broadcast on various online shows and Brisbane radio 4ZZZ to build Mick and Ursula a loyal following.
“In The Zone” is their new album and is a slicker affair with stronger production, supported by a tight rhythm section and fabulous backing vocals and harmonies.
Opening track “Surfing On The Waves” explodes with a Ramones influence. It’s melodic pop- punk with classic harmonies and sounds like it should be a standard in the live set. It has tight and snappy drumming by Stuart Mclaughlin but what struck me most was that Mick’s vocals have never sounded better
“Punk Grandma”, featuring Ursula on lead vocal, has already become a cult classic after its video attracted thousands of views in a few days. It’s like Lena Lovich was re-discovered in an Ipswich nursing home and placed on a drip of ecstasy and went garage punk. It’s aided by some tight and brilliant guitar from Mick and a solid hook. It’s infectious and stays with you for days.
“In The Zone” and “Man In The Moon” are album highlights and examples of wonderful song-writing, with Mick’s trademark melodic rock touches fuelled by a classic Les Paul sound. Mick has the ability to punctuate his sold rhythm playing with sharp hooks. These songs are a nod to the classic rock pop of The Kinks, Bolan and The Only Ones.
With additional musicians Lois Andrews (on bass and fantastic backing vocals), drummer Mclaughlin and producer/guitarist/backing vocalist Brian Mann adding their own touches, it’s clear that The Mick Medew and Ursula 4 will make an awesome live band.
The album takes a sideways twist into early ‘80s post-punk pop with songs such as “God Bless Yoko Ono” (an ode and a fan letter) and “Invisible Woman”. These tracks are edgy and change the flow of the album, yet but Ursula’s vocals are convincing and sharp.
“She’s Only Happy When She’s Drinking” could be the best Aussie drinking song since Mental as Anything’s “The Nips Are Getting Bigger” and has been on repeat on my CD player, It’s a classic urban county singalong that would be a fitting theme song after 10 shots and at 2am in a West End bar. Mick channels Hank Williams after a staple diet of Charles Bukowski in a fine arrangement, and the production oozes perfection.
This album shines with Mick Medew’s stunning song-writing. Mick has been some responsible for some classic underground songs, like “Igloo” (a Ron Peno co-write) and “Date with A Vampyre”, and has consistently made strong records for 40 years. Teaming with Ursula has brought out a quirky pop edge where the soundtrack of Molly’s “Countdown” is woven with a touch of post-punk new wave. A gem. - Edwin Garland 
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