Originally from sun baked Tucson, Arizona, Bay Area pop alchemist, Brad Brooks has a big voice and he intends to use it for dastardly good. With tales of love on his sleeve, ex-stripper librarians and manic tourists, his is an extraordinarily unique perspective on a city and its delightful debauchery. Cinematic, orchestrated, and moody, his elaborate west coast baroque sound, rocks, pops and breaks your heart in all the right places. Either solo, or with his band, Brad’s 70’s piano driven style of psychedelic persuasion moves from constructed pop anthems, through Jacques Brel-esque satirical waltzes, to intimate guitar ballads.

Brooks' latest feature release "Spill Collateral Love" evokes a dramatic and orchestral pop soundscape: think huge, bright Circus Tent being torn down on a rainy flatland in a vintage Fellini film. The 13 song CD is Brad Brooks' best so far, a visceral and psychedelic mix that highlights the Oakland songwriter's exceptional vocal range and bold command of powerful pop craftsmanship. Centered on a piano and acoustic guitar base, the expert band highlights a host of musical luminaries, including Paul Hoaglin from The Mother Hips & Sensations. Brooks's disc is rooted in a kind of Victorian California romanticism; his vocal approach is earnest and dramatic, but maintains a poise and sense of wry wit that keeps the release organic yet keenly produced. Brooks even includes tape loops from S.F.'s now-defunct carnival funhouse Musee Mechanique on a track, pushing the bands vaudevillian influences to the forefront of his original sound.

Brad also: Has sung 3 songs on Guitar Hero 2, as well as over 15 songs on Karaoke Revolution presents American Idol and Karaoke Revolutions 1,2,3,4

Has something from the Johnny Cash Show 1971
Is using a child development lecture tape as a means of political propaganda
A Klickitat Band Camp member
A chime groupie. Was/Is a rubber chicken.

Description

Brooks' solo debut CD is an elaborate fusion of west coast baroque, melodic pop aesthetics and wispy psychedelia.
Quiet, yet powerful, Bay Area singer-songwriter Brad Brooks favors a complex approach - the end result of which is a very pleasant 13-song pop toothache. Excellent instrumentation and just plain old fashioned quality songwriting that grabs the cynic in you and kicks its ass. If you like the Eels, Elliot Smith, Brian Wilson, and the softer side of Jellyfish, Brad Brooks is your next pop crush.

Recording Location

Groove Room (San Rafael)