Imagines Puleo
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
The always exceptional Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, R.E.M., Big Star) collaborates with the author and lyricist Joe Puleo for these 5 well thought out tunes that were penned during quarantine.
“Overcoming Gravity” starts the quick listen with an upbeat and highly melodic delivery of swift drums, well placed piano and sharp guitar work as Stringfellow’s always inviting pipes guide the jangly landscape, and “The Strongest Man” follows with firm keys amid a romantic theme that’s lyrically quite comical and musically playful.
“Measured In Threes” occupies the middle spot and resides in piano balladry as Stringfellow’s expressive and poetic singing radiates alongside a chorus you won’t forget soon, while “My Odyssey” delivers both calm and busy moments of breezy textures that benefit much from Frankie Siragusa’s (The Posies) muscular drumming. “Not Today” exits the listen, and strums loudly and memorably thanks to a rugged yet tuneful formula that pays homage to the late athlete Gabriele Gruenwald.
A project that began with a single tune, Puleo was understandably so impressed with Stringfellow’s portions that they ended up with enough for a damn great EP. Should the pair knock out an LP in the future, I don’t think you’ll hear much complaining, either.
Travels well with: Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw