Smash Palace returns with their sixth CD, "Everybody Comes and Goes" featuring 10 new songs (plus a cover version of George Harrison's, "I Want to Tell You", recorded for WMGK's "Breakfast with the Beatles" in Philadelphia). The new CD, "Everybody Comes and Goes" brings together many original members of Smash Palace as well as a few guest appearances by members of Quincy. For band leader Stephen Butler, it was an opportunity to collaborate with people he's known since he was a kid.
The new CD can best be described as a musical sound that is modern, yet inspired by echoes of the past. Think Beatles, Kinks, Yardbirds meet XTC, New Pornographers and Tom Petty. It's a big rumble of sound, combining soaring vocal harmonies and melodic guitar riffs.
History
Smash Palace was signed to Zip Records in 2005 after the label saw the band perform at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. This energetic performance led BBC disc jockey, Spencer Leigh to comment that Smash Palace was one of the best live bands he'd seen in Liverpool that year. Zip Records soon issued "Smash Palace: Best of 99-06" that brought about critical praise, an extensive tour in the US and the UK, radio play, and TV appearances.
Band leader Stephen Butler, along with his brother Brian, have a history of making great music. Their first band, Quincy was discovered, then managed by Hilly Kristal, owner of CBGB's, then signed by Paul Atkinson of the Zombies to a deal with Columbia Records. Shortly after the record release, to the band's disbelief, it was sued by Quincy Jones for stealing his name. The Butler Brothers then disbanded Quincy, started over again, forming Smash Palace and securing a new deal with Epic Records.
After a few years of touring and waiting for their major label break, the band went on hiatus as the brothers went on to work as staff writers for BMG publishing. Smash Palace reformed in 1999 to record "Fast Long Loud", followed by "Unlocked" (2001), "Over the Top" (2004) and last year's, "Best of 99-06".
"Top 10 of 2008 candidate!"
Aaron, powerpopaholic.com
"A power-poppish band with a 28-year pedigree, Smash Palace still has the spirit and exuberance necessary for this tough-to-pull-off style. Nice story in persistence, too."
Ken Barnes, USA Today
"I TOTALLY love the new CD! And coming from someone who hears as much music a week as I do, that's no veiled compliment!"
Dennis "the Menace" Scheyer, KUSF
"Wow! I can't think of any other power pop trio that gets a bigger sound than Smash Palace. This is the band's finest disc yet ... "
Eric Sorenson
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