Dwight Twilley – Green Blimp (Big Oak Records)  – CD review –

Melodic songwriter Dwight Twilley has returned with Green Blimp, his first album of new material in five years.  In the meantime, he’s been busy cleaning out his archives; he’s recorded a ton of material that has gotten little if any official release.

He also recently put together a Beatles tribute, so it’s not surprising that Green Blimp has some Fab Four influence as well, especially on the Sgt. Pepper era “Me and Melanie.” The title cut, with it’s psychedelic marching beat and lyrics about isolating yourself from the outside world, sounds like Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd.  But, there’s plenty of rockers too, as in the exceptional “Stop,” where the instruments drop out with an accented guitar; it’s vintage Twilley and one of the albums finest moments.

“Ten Times” has a jangly, Byrds feel, while “You Were Always There” contains a minor chord chorus, another Twilley trademark.  The album features some guest appearances by Bill Pitcock, who played lead guitar in the 1970’s version of the Dwight Twilley Band, as well as Rocky Burnette & Susan Cowsill, who help out on background vocals.  Twilley shows that he hasn’t lost his ability to write melodic hooks.  A quite satisfying release. –Tony Peters