Grand Mal Albums (4)
'Love Is the Best Con in Town'
Release Date 1/1/2006
Tracks 12
Label New York Night Train
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What The Critics Say
Bill Whitten's musical transformation from St. Johnny to Grand Mal, and then into the further years of that act, is in many ways as good an example of bootstrapping as any. By the time of his fourth Grand Mal album Love Is the Best Con in Town, a solo return to the name after the band's previous dissolution a few years previous, he had carved out a moody cabaret/glam niche that belied the energetic but ultimately unremarkable work of much earlier times. (Certainly the various invocations of David Bowie in "His Baleful Eye" -- or at least, that's what it sounds like he's singing -- is a definite acknowledgment of inspiration.) From the start, with his portrait of defiant hopes for chasing the dream "From Hartford to Times Square," Whitten often suggests the romantic imagery of a previous century's dream of New York City, rainy alleys and a down-and-out atmospheres that still hold an allure even in the post-Giuliani, post-9/11 years. Recorded with a large number of guest players from a slew of bands -- mostly at his apartment, though doubtless for reasons of neighborly peace the drummers recorded their parts at their rehearsal spaces -- Love Is the Best Con in Town is back to front a fine-sounding treat, with Dave Fridmann's mastering not placing the producer's usual sonic stamp on the proceedings (said stamp is good, but variety is always better). The swooning, soothing backup vocals in particular are a lovely touch, a bit of accomplished harmonizing that takes the sting out of the lyrical sentiments in songs like "People Change (Maybe They Don't)" and "Here's to Our Estrangement." When the energy level kicks up some more, as on "Count Me In!" and "C'mon," it's good enough but the whole album seems to work better in calmer or more restrained mode, letting everything snake in slowly behind Whitten's lead singing and occasional instrumental contributions. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
For Grand Mal's third full-length, Bad Timing, the band works with its rock & roll strut and campy appeal for a divine garage rock romp. It's obvious that these New York City boys worship the sexy rule of 1970s rock gods -- David Bowie, Mick Jagger, MC5 -- but they're not entirely consumed by such an image either. Grand Mal is strict in defining its own brand of rock & roll on this record, and producer Dave Fridmann (the Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev, Mogwai) keeps Grand Mal in line. While B.R.M.C. turns up the amp all the way, Grand Mal sticks to a lower volume to allow Bad Timing to simply arrive. Songs like "Old Fashioned" and "1st Round K.O. offer a subtle swagger, whereas "Get Lost" and the gospel-tinged "Black Aura" tame the band's ambitious playing style for something more inviting. Grand Mal isn't going for anything bombastic with Bad Timing, but it's a good dose, a healthy spoonful of new millennium indie rock. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Bill Whitten, formerly of St. Johnny, leads his group Grand Mal through 12 guitar-heavy, glam-rocking numbers on their debut album Maledictions. Shiny, fuzzed-out tracks like "Superstars," "Whizz Kid" and "Sixteen" have a louche, nervy feel that wears a little thin over the course of an entire album, but makes for some entertaining singles. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
'Pleasure Is No Fun'
Release Date 9/2/1997
Tracks 11
Label Number Six
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