The John Sally Ride is a New York City-based power pop project from multi-instrumentalist John Dunbar and drummer Sal Nunziato. John never liked it when the band name was abbreviated, yet he released this new LP under the JSR moniker, but now with a different meaning: The Other Women is John’s Solo Release. It’s a concept album that grew out of his curiosity: every time he met a woman whose name was associated with an iconic song, he used that as a conversation starter, and again and again he heard that such a tune was detested, especially because it’s always sung to her when she introduces herself. John saw it as a challenge to offer the victims an alternative narrative, and started to write new songs with those names in the title but with a contrasting theme. A commendable initiative that works out better than you might expect, although A Little Bit Of Rosie, Christine Sixty and Sheena Is A Prog Rocker don’t beat Whole Lotta Rosie (AC/DC), Christine Sixteen (KISS) and Sheena Is A Punk Rocker (Ramones) in terms of sing-along scores. The ten songs on this coherent entity feel familiar, thanks to both the references and the sentimental pop melodies, but the fresh insights are captured in charming portraits to cherish.
The Other Women, produced by John Dunbar & Len Monachello, is released last January – digitally via Heartpunch. All instruments and vocals by John Dunbar.
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