June 1998 Local Exposure: A Don Piper Situation • The Earthtones

Local Exposure
CD Reviews of Area Musicians

by Ed Yashinsky

A Don Piper Situation
[Scrimshaw Records]

The Extended Play record (or EP) is a bit of an enigma in the music industry. Popularized in the late 1970s, and seen as either an inexpensive vehicle that hinted at possible greatness (REM’s Chronic Town) or as moneysucking “product” designed to increase a band’s 15 minutes of fame (the never-ending parade of Culture Club EPs) the twentysome-minute disk seemed to disappear (except in indie circles) as CDs took over the planet. Of course, EPs can still prove fruitful, and this leads to the fabulous release A Don Piper Situation on Scrimshaw Records. A Central Pennsylvania native, Don Piper was recently signed to Capital Records and the Situation’s full-length debut is due out this summer. However, this EP deserves recognition for its sheer beauty and pop pedigree. With a voice that harkens back to early Marshall Crenshaw and a sound that makes his music seem instantly recognizable, this EP is a breath of fresh air in these distortion-heavy and sample-happy times.

Most of A Don Piper Situation features stripped-down acoustic guitar and Piper’s voice. However, the quirks behind the melodies prove most interesting. A toy piano and Moog synthesizer dominate, “The Finger,” while slightly-off harmonies punctuate “Start Again” and “Ray Falls Down.” However A Don Piper Situation’s finest moment may be “Song of Joy,” a simple ode that requires nothing more than guitar and vocals, proving once again that good songwriting will carry any song, regardless of the window-dressing.

The Earthtones
The Coast is Clear
[Independent Release]

As a world music juggernaut for more than twelve years, The Earthtones have long been known for the energetic live shows that combine reggae, calypso and soca music into an entrancing celebration that forces concertgoers to get off their seats and onto the dance floor. Luckily, The Coast is Clear, the State College band’s latest release, captures The Earthtones’ phenomenal live sound. Fronted by founding members Rodney Thompson (vocals) and Paul Young (guitars and vocals), The Coast is Clear includes five original compositions (all written and sung by Young) and many classic soca and calypso numbers the Earthtones have made their own over the years. Soca music has roots in the Caribbean and features lively horns and fast staccato rhythms. The Earthtones cover classics like “Feelin Hot” and “We Only Dancin,” as well as lesser-known gems like “Keep on Movin’” and “Jam it with Me.” The Young original, “You’re a Bad, Bad Boy” easily seems right at home with the classic soca numbers. The Earthtones are driven by the triple rhythm section of Don Berinato (drums/percussion), Andrew Jackson (drums/percussion) and Billy Venditti (bass). Rounding out the band is Willito Zayas (trumpet) who shines on many songs here, most notably a great instrumental called,“The Tarantula.” Seeing The Earthtones live is a special treat, but The Coast is Clear is the next best thing to being there.

The Earthtones will be performing at Zee’s Clubhouse during the summer months. Upcoming dates include: Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, July 25. Call 761-6692.