Skip the Live Show: Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers' Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers

This review ignores the live show I saw in October which was immature, self-indulgent, an “in club” circus which overshadowed the music. Before the show, I noted that the album had such a live feel that it was “as if I was already at the show.” The show, though, had little relation to the fine brand of Country-influenced Rock on the album, so this review goes back to the my album notes which I jotted down on the way to the show.

On the self-titled disc, Stephen Kellogg’s voice—surrounded by the Sixers—recalls Tom Gillam, Charlie Sexton, John Mayer, Neil Young, and Rob Thomas. It’s a soft pop voice with music that kicks up the twang rock dust through rhythm not ballistics. The songs can be tender (why’d you have to be so goofy on stage?), the music can be sweetly pop while still being fresh (the band’s antics are distracting you, Stephen; you’re hiding behind their masochismo and humor). There’s even strong hints of James Taylor on “Such a Way.”

“Vegas” taps into Sun Records and that new thing Elvis “discovered” called rock ‘n’ roll. It sounds like the Charlie Sexton Sextet and perhaps would’ve been a good number to kick off the album.

“Start the Day Early” should’ve been the warning: Jam Band Ahead! The song is all about the groove (O.A.R.), still tapping into a country feel (Steel Train), but essentially is a party scene pleaser—“You bring the cup, I’ll bring the moonshine.” Even if I hear Stoll Vaughan in the bluesy country groove, the warning sirens were going off—Stephen Kellogg will be friends of the tokers not the music. And indeed, at the Rave in Milwaukee, the song was like pushing a cart downhill from substance to substance use to utter nonsense.

Go back to the album. Enjoy the band captured in the studio. Ignore the real band. Discover the music, but let it be a recorded artifact. You’ll be better off for it.

Thanks to Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers and Foundations Records for the review CD and their help.