Hutch – Turn It Around

Another one from the Smile roster of bands that could simply be described as “pop bands that rock” (or the other way ’round), is Joe Hutchinson’s new musical outfit Hutch.

It’s just that this one rocks harder than the others, and at the same time the melodies are even harder to resist than it’s the case with the most of ’em. Adding the crystal-clear production and harmonies that you’re not used to when it comes to songs like this, what you get as a final result is a prototype of the ultimate mainstream group.

Though it may seem that the songs could easily be put under the same hat, the soundscape width is pretty evident. As a perfect introduction, it all starts with the soulful title tune, featuring all the usual ingredients of a million selling hit single.

Leaving Hollywood explores the significant Kinky-riffage, once again wrapped up in a moderndaze sound package, So Spaced Out combines the power of pop with some “Jimi the fox” funky workouts, while I Don’t Belong abides a more contemporary influence, recalling the late-Peter Buck’s distorted Rickenbacking.

Some of the songs that make things a bit gentler, and still keep your full attention thanks to the melodies that grab your ear within seconds, are the kinda Falknerized chord progression of Mad About You, and there’s the vintage McGuinnish 12-string intro flowing into the folk-rocking jangle of Fanciful Eyes.

There’s much talk about Sammy Hagar borrowing Joe’s All The Money In The World, which is usually used as a fact that should promote Hutch.

Concerning the songs on this album and the status they’re likely to secure, I think that it’s actually Sammy who should use it for a better promotion.

[Released by Smile 2001]