Rich Young Ruler

Description

The self-titled, sophomore, and final album by the American indiepop band Rich Young Ruler was released on Benson Records in 1998, manufactured and distributed in the US by Provident Music Distribution. The album was recorded by Gene Eugene of Adam Again fame at The Green Room in Huntington Beach and Front Page Studios in Burbank, California; with Eugene and Terry Taylor of Daniel Amos fame producing. Additional engineering by Taylor and Mark Rodriguez. Mixed by Eugene at Front Page Studios.

Rich Young Ruler features Mead Chesbro and Rob Bender on guitars and vocals, Jennifer Bender on vocals, Erik Tokle on bass and background vocals, Ron Mukai on drums and background vocals, and Garrett Burrow on percussion, recorder, and background vocals. The album also features guest musicians Michael Roe of The 77s on guitar, Lost Dog sideman Burleigh Drummond of Ambrosia fame on additional percussion and marimba, Gene Eugene on organ, as well as Mark Bornstein and Melissa Hasson on cello.

A debut recording, ‘Rich Young Ruler’ has quality production from instrumentation to engaging cinema-culture artwork. Lyrics and arrangements are strikingly succinct and self-assured. Eminently approachable, the sunshiny vibe is carried on excellent, breezy support vocals reminiscent of the ’60s. Most songs concern horizontal relationships, the general optimism translating into a tender sensitivity for more difficult issues («All These Sorrows» and the thoughtful closer «You’ve Got The Right Words»). The 14 arrangements hold together stylistically around a California guitar-driven indie sound. Tasteful and welcome colour is provided by a marimba and various atmospheric percussion («Who’s Gonna Make You Happy»), a recorder break («Smile») and some cello. In sum, a fun, summery album well suited for youth group beach parties. [Brett Milner, Cross Rhythms, August 1998]

It’s power pop with a chiming 12-string heart, lighter than the La’s, more innocent than Jellyfish and nothing like the libido-fueled longings of Eric Carmen’s Raspberries. Where then to place Rich Young Ruler? Call them a splendid work in progress for now, green at the edges but with a solid melodic foundation to build on. With the more dour likes of Ben Folds Five and Fountains of Wayne claiming the turf these days, power pop needs happy abandon to give it balance – and Rich Young Ruler could snap even Albert Camus out of a blue funk (though they have darker moments, too, as on the marvelously moody «Wearing Me Out»). «Take It Anywhere» uncannily recalls Fotomaker, the group formed by ex-Raspberry Wally Bryson and ex-Young Rascal Gene Cornish; songs this wide-eyed disappeared from radio years ago. Given the joy this Orange County outfit brings to the table, it’s easy to excuse the odd ham-fisted drum roll and sometimes restrained rhythm playing on this disc. At times, the jangling wears a bit thin, and despite an engaging melody, the band turns in an unintentionally confusing chorus on «The Ride» (“You can’t take me home tonight” sings too much like “You can take me home tonight” for comfort). But that’s a minor complaint. Highlight tracks like the baroque-sounding «Who’s Gonna Make You Happy» and «She Runs, She Hides», a jazz-tinged beauty, speak of Rich Young Ruler’s potential. [Lou Carlozo, CCM, April 1998]

> iTunes

CD tracklist:

01. Take It Anywhere – 2:55
02. Magic Nowheres (Run Around) – 3:29
03. Wearing Me Out – 3:09
04. The Ride – 3:30
05. Smile – 4:25
06. Who’s Gonna Make You Happy – 3:31
07. All These Sorrows – 3:49
08. Anyways – 3:57
09. Feeling This Way – 4:16
10. If I Could Hold You – 2:42
11. In Touch – 2:23
12. She Runs, She Hides – 4:33
13. Everytime You Reach For Me – 3:21
14. You’ve Got the Right Words – 3:13

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Benson Records.

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