I’m not a regular in the Music category, but I thought I’d step up for this one. Join me for a look at a hip, original pop-folk offering from Shupe and his elastic friends.

It was the summer of 2001, the grass was green at Thanksgiving Point and the entertainment was top-notch. I was listening to an eclectic combination of mandolin, banjo and percussion from Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band.
The music is every bit as creative as the name. What left an impression in my mind at the open-air concert, is the same thing that prompted me to pick up the album: the energetic folk-pop fun in the music. Hey Hey Hey is driven by toe-tapping intensity.

The album is not the groups first, but it is a milestone. For this round, the group recruited a platinum album producer (Jason Deere), engineer Brian Scheuble (of Sheryl Crow, Sting, U2 fame) and multi Latin Grammy award winner Silvio Richetto. I’m no music professional, but I’d wager this could be the reason for the clean, polished sound on the disc.

You will laugh at songs about banjos and corn dogs (if you find the hidden track), ponder to the tune of thoughtful ballads and rock out to the unique sound of the title track. The album, and group are perfect examples of the fresh talent present in the LDS pop community. Not unlike Maren Ord, the Rubber Band’s music isn’t overtly LDS (and thus not “Sunday music”) but is instead a great alternative to the less and less appealing top 40 scene.

This CD is a great pick for fans of popular music looking to add some depth to their taste. It isn’t prelude music for a Church activity. Clearly, Mr Shupe and company are going places - and for good reason.

Link: Band Homepage