As much as I love finding new music, it can be even more exciting when new music finds me! When I opened my email, and found a note of introduction from Kenyth Mogan, I was intrigued. I wasn't really familiar with this work, so I had to do a bit of research. Mogan was born and raised in Montana, but now calls Los Angeles, California, home. There, he has been in the movies, with such wonderful stars as Peter Coyote and James Woods. He has also been an author, using his imagination and talent on the graphic novel, 'The Phoenix Chronicles: Awakenings'. This novel can be found on Amazon. And now he was ready to showcase another talent, with the release of his debut EP, 'Fall Apart'.
The five-song release is a combination of sparkling covers of 1980s confection, and some new material, including one song co-written by Mogan. But the EP opens with a song I so totally remember from the 1981 release of the charming Toni Basil. "Mickey" was written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, and went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. There is something delightful about the cheerleader-inspired tune given an new sheen, sounding fresh yet still recognizable. Kenyth's vocals are strong and fun, and you can hear in this sample of the song.
So fun! I could just eat it with a spoon. That leads to "(Let Me) Unlock Your Heart", a song written by Paul Harris and Matthew Hayes. The Pop tune starts out with an acoustic rhythm guitar, but soon shows it's hand, adding some Electronica that only adds more charm. There is a wonderful warmth to this love song, I thought I lost my heart. Next up, there is the title cut, "Fall Apart". The song was written by Tony Rodini and Mogan. Rodini also produced the album. This wonderful song is the first single off the EP, and will be featured in the first music video coming soon. Until then, here is the lyric video, giving you the chance to hear the song, and truly get to know the lyrics. This is Kenyth Mogan singing "Fall Apart".
"One Worth Losing" is up next, and the energetic song is the most energetic off the collection. Written by Todd Michael Schultz, there is something very 80s-inspired by the track, part Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark with a dash of Giorgio Moroder. But there is also something very fresh, very 'today' about it. I must admit, I wanted to play this one several times on repeat, making me happy. Way back in 1984, some music was coming from interesting places. On of those was California comedy clubs, from artists like Julie Brown. Comedian Brown, not to be confused with the MTV VJ of the same name, was playing clubs and establishing herself since 1981, and finally released 'Goddess In Progress' in 1984. The five-song collection was an independent release, but still brought us the music video for "The Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun", as well as the final song off Mogan's EP, "I Like 'Em Big and Stupid". Both songs were written by Julie Brown, Charlie Coffey, Terrence McNally, and Ray Colcord, and had a delicious look at the culture. Kenyth's cover remains true to the humorous nature of the song, but adds just a bit more edge to the song, sounding less like 1980s Pop, and more like the the Punky work of Oingo Boingo. You can check out the preview below.
'Fall Apart' is a delicious appetizer, a plate with yummy bites that leave you wanting more. I can tell you it makes me want to order whatever is coming next, and come back to listen to 'Fall Apart' a few more times. There is a wonderful sense of life in the recording. You can just hear and feel the love Kenyth has for the material, making it all the more appealing. You can purchase 'Fall Apart' on iTunes and Amazon, both for less than $5.00. And you can also find 'The Phoenix Chronicles: Awakenings' on Amazon. To learn more about Kenyth Mogan, 'like' him on Facebook, and leave a message to say hello! You can also visit him on Myspace, where you can also sample some music.
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