The Amplifier Heads SaturnalienS
Rum Bar Records – Ed Morneau
“And then there’s Baglio briefly turning his back on this glorious noise for some pure pop majesty with the brilliant Such a shame we don’t hear this kind of craft on the present radio of forgotten songs.”
When I was a kid I had this recurring dream that I was on some old rickety wooden roller coaster with my father at Revere Beach or Paragon Park, and the car suddenly accelerated, then derailed and we flew off into an unknown darkening sky screaming the night away. I was reminded of that dream last year when Sal Baglio’s Amplifier Heads’ quarantined-influenced album, Music for Abandoned Amusement Parks, captured the insulation from the cruel world we felt as kids when we spent time at these amusement parks, the neighborhood carnivals, or anything that would make us believe the summer would last forever.
With a new full-length album, SaturnalienS, Baglio and his Amplifier Heads leave the darkening sky and head into some Palisades Park reconstruction of outer space, or maybe some inner space, where Baglio’s deft musical architecture invokes his deepest passions. From the surf-space guitar-drums-bass, Farfisa adventurism of The Ventures and The Marketts, to the sturdy provenance of how legions of bands over seven decades took that instrumental combo format and mercilessly removed the puffery out of pop and gilded it with fire and noise, SaturnalienS is the new Tesseract of the once blessedly familiar. Everything is familiar, but strange, full of wit and absurdity and often hilarious.
The first cut, “Ghost Star Rider” is an homage to the journey-to-the-stars ethos of Ventures-Marketts-Tornadoes space rock. Something that I always loved about 60’s instrumentals was the innocence that is articulated by the effort to compose heartfelt melodies over an arrangement of instruments dutifully metallic and plastic but in service to some shiny beauty.
What follows is a hilariously wild suite of Baglio’s sturdy and reliable forays into straightforward rock and roll with just enough odd changes to keep things off balance, while remaining respectful of his muses. Unexpected vocal turns, guitar ferocity, melody, a zany lyricism (“Earth Girls on the Loose,” “Rock and Roll Anesthesia,” “Glamorama” in particular), and its a furious rush into the future past. Not one of these tunes is throwaway space debris. These pop meteorites rip through too many rock forms with a laser focus on adding the now expected sturdy bagadelia to the chord changes and vocals. Add about fourteen stations of cross-pollination of guitaristry to these songs and this writer is inspired to NOT sell his Les Paul for another acoustic guitar. That said, the quadruple entendres of “Candi Starr” can make one forget about guitars altogether. If there is a better lyric than “Sometimes a screw is just a screw…sometimes you hit the nail on the head,” I don’t know what it is.
And then there’s Baglio briefly turning his back on this glorious noise for some pure pop majesty with the brilliant “The House of Young Dolls.” This would fit nicely on any Beatles, Beach Boys, Kinks greatest hits. Such a shame we don’t hear this kind of craft on the present radio of forgotten songs. Weird that the penultimate “The Amp Has Lost Its Head” has similar foreboding sympathies, with a middle eight that is as sad as it is frightening. I see Mr. Baglio, his last words—“Gimme my guitar, gimme my guitar for fuck’s sake! The chords, the chords!”—like Kurtz in “Apocalypse Now”: The horror…the horror.” But it’s a brief moment of despair, as the last tune lifts off. “On the Moon” invokes what all dreamers desire—to seek some kind of solace and peace away from earthbound madness. “It’s nice to be in orbit.”
Ed Morneau
Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon Concerts, Movie & TV Car Show – June 30 – July 2, 2023 242 Adams Pl. Boxborough MA, 01719
Attention all music and pop culture enthusiasts! Get ready to be blown away by the incomparable Sal Baglio at Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon 2023! This extraordinary event is the ultimate convergence of music, pop culture, and collectibles, creating an unparalleled experience that will leave you in awe. From rare vinyl records and captivating comic books to vintage toys that evoke a sense of nostalgia, this is the ultimate playground for collectors and enthusiasts alike. But that’s just the beginning!
Prepare to be mesmerized by exclusive performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry. When Sal Baglio takes the stage, prepare to be transported to a realm of pure musical ecstasy. His electrifying presence, soul-stirring lyrics, and masterful guitar skills will take your breath away. With each note, Baglio weaves a magical tapestry that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you craving more. His infectious energy radiates through the crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere that will have you dancing and singing along. Sal Baglio’s performance is a transcendental experience that will ignite your passion for music and leave you in a state of euphoria.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The lineup at Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon 2023 is a veritable who’s who of music legends. Prepare to be dazzled by the timeless talent of Micky Dolenz, the legendary voice behind The Monkees. Be captivated by the magnetic presence of Cherie Currie as she takes you on a sonic journey like no other. These are just a few of the awe-inspiring performers who will grace the stage, ensuring that each moment is filled with pure musical magic.
But that’s not all! Brace yourself for the spectacle of the Movie & TV Car Show, a visual feast that will transport you into the heart of your favorite films and television shows. Immerse yourself in the world of iconic vehicles that have become synonymous with our cultural fabric. From the sleek elegance of vintage cars to the powerful machines that fueled our childhood dreams, this show promises an experience that will leave you wide-eyed and breathless. It’s a rare opportunity to see these iconic vehicles up close and personal, allowing you to connect with the stories that have shaped our lives.
The Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon 2023 is more than just an event—it’s a journey into the heart and soul of music, pop culture, and collectibles. From the moment you step foot through the doors, you’ll be surrounded by a treasure trove of discoveries. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of autographed posters, records, musical instruments, and books that pay homage to the lives and works of esteemed artists. Engage with fellow fans, share stories, and reignite your passion for the magic that lies within the realms of music and pop culture.
Mark your calendars for June 30 to July 2, 2023, and make your way to the vibrant venue located at 242 Adams Pl. in Boxborough, MA 01719. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey at Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon 2023. It’s an experience that will ignite your senses, rejuvenate your spirit, and create priceless memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this incredible adventure—join us and let the magic unfold!