The Feels - "Twice (No Age At All)"

This is the fourth occasion on which I've had the pleasure to write about The Feels. As a huge fan of Christian's previous band The Tattle Tales, I was naturally enthused to hear he had created a one-man band back in 2016. But as much as I love all of those old Tattle Tales recordings, it's become clear to me that The Feels are way better. Christian is an even better songwriter now than he was 10-15 years ago, and with a solo project he has the freedom to explore any style of music he wishes without having to worry about how it "fits" the band. His recent single "She's Probably Not Thinkin' Of Me" was a perfect power pop track and one of my most highly rated singles of 2020. Now he's come out with a new single "Twice (No Age At All)" that absolutely blew me away. Christian is a pop guy through and through, but on this track he fully embraces the rock! The guitars and vocal phrasing bring to mind the louder side of '90s alternative rock. From the production to the musicianship (oh man, that solo!) to the vocals to the melodies, everything about this song is stellar. Christian's lyrics are exceptional and featured prominently in the song's music video created by Jess Tapia. Yes, this song is dark. But much of our greatest art does come from a place of pain. If you dig this track and have yet to hear the The Feels' brilliant full-length Dead Skin, I highly recommend that album! I had the privilege of interviewing Christian on the latest episode of Born Too Late -- the podcast I recently started with Jay Castro. Check it out if you're interested in a thoughtful conversation on life and pop music!

-L.R.

https://igotthefeels.bandcamp.com/

The Feels - "She's Probably Not Thinking Of Me" (7" release)

"She's Probably Not Thinking Of Me" by The Feels was just too good of a single to not be released on vinyl! Digitally self-released by The Feels (aka Christian Migliorese) last year, "She's Probably Not Thinking Of Me" was one of 2020's essential pop singles. The fabulous Hurrah! Música most definitely noticed, and next month the Madrid label will release the song on 7"! There's not much I can say about the A-side that I haven't said already. It's a perfect pop song from a singer/songwriter who specializes in that very thing. If you love melody-driven guitar pop and aren't hip to the creative powers of Christian Migliorese, that needs to change in a hurry! "She's Probably Not Thinking Of Me" is as good of a place to start as any. I'm excited that this release also brings a new song on the B-side. "Is Everything Alright?" sounds a little Superdrag-ish to my ears, and that can only be a good thing. I was going to quote a memorable lyric from the song. But as I went through the song a couple of times, I realized that every single line is gold. So just go listen to it already! The 7" will be out February 26th! 

-L.R. 

https://hurrahmusica.bandcamp.com/album/shes-probably-not-thinkin-of-me-pr-ximamente

https://igotthefeels.bandcamp.com/

The Feels - "She's Probably Not Thinkin' Of Me"

What a wonderful surprise that a new track from The Feels has popped up out of nowhere! The Feels is the (mostly) solo project from Christian Migliorese (The Tattle Tales) - one of my favorite songwriters ever. It's been four years since the release of The Feels' absolutely fantastic mini album Dead Skin and (shockingly) over a decade since The Tattle Tales last released music. Yeah, really! New single "She's Probably Not Thinkin' Of Me" is set to appear on an upcoming EP entitled 11 Monthly Listeners Can't Be Wrong! It picks up where Christian left off with Dead Skin. Call it whatever you like: pop rock, alt pop, power pop, indie pop, or just plain pop. This is melodic guitar pop at its finest. In classic Christian Migliorese fashion, it delivers big crunching guitars, gorgeous melodies, heartfelt vocals, lyrics that'll stop you in your tracks, and hooks for days. It clocks in at just a hair over two minutes, leaving you wanting more. So don't be cheap; fork over the 99 cents so you can own this song and play it as many times as you want! 

Hearing "She's Probably Not Thinkin' Of Me" inspired me to revisit the entire Christian Migliorese back catalog. I've discovered two things: 1) all of his stuff is just as good as I remembered and 2) he's definitely taken his artistry to another level with The Feels. My god, can this guy ever write (and sing) a pop song! 

-L.R.

https://igotthefeels.bandcamp.com/

https://thetattletales.bandcamp.com/

Introducing The Feels!

Given that he was largely responsible for one of my favorite albums of recent memory, Christian Stefos Migliorese is someone I always look forward to hearing from. He truly understands the fine art of crafting the perfect pop song. And on top of that, he's super talented. He could recite David Wright's advanced batting stats over a symphony of kazoos, and I'd want to hear it. The Feels, his latest project, is essentially a one-man band. It's been four years already since the final Tattle Tales release, and I've really missed hearing new music from Christian. Well, he's back with a mini-album called Dead Skin. And just as I anticipated, it's great! Without a doubt, this is his best work to date. If you're a power pop/pop-punk/indie pop geek like me, you've got to own this. 

I like that Dead Skin is a nice mix of welcome familiarity and pleasant surprises. Songs like "Dumb or 21" and "Maybe" prove Christian to still be a master of crunchy power pop with a '90s alt-rock sheen. I just love that "big" melodic sound. And when those choruses come in, it's as blissful as bacon. But for the most part, Christian seems more interested in evolving as an artist than he is in replicating past glories. On "Purple Heart", he attains new levels of sophistication and maturity in his craft. If you've been in an existential funk ever since Superdrag broke up, this song will make you feel a little better. "1-95 (In Another Life)" is the kind of song I wish they played on mainstream radio - pleasant guitar pop with hooks to die for and genuinely touching lyrics. If it doesn't become a huge hit, I might lose my faith in humanity. And "Glassy Eyed" absolutely blows me away. It's just really impressive to hear Christian adapt his talents for guitar based songwriting into the realm of electronic/ambient pop - and actually pull if off! I love the way the tone of the music matches the lyrics (or perhaps vice versa). This song is sexy and soulful and just so freakin' good.

I've always admired Christian Stefos Migliorese for his willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve. I would imagine that the (mostly) sad love songs comprising Dead Skin were written from personal experience. And you've got to appreciate an artist with the guts to put himself out there like that. Take a song like "When Things Were Good". It's just voice, words, and acoustic guitar. There's nothing to hide behind, and the simple purity of the song is something I find quite beautiful. "1-95 (In Another Life)" always gets me a little misty eyed, and I think it's because it speaks to me personally. Anyone can use the musical form to tell you that breakups are miserable. But hearing someone who's been burned over and over hold on to that little glimmer of hope in new love really resonates with me. This is what it's really like to fall for someone. There are no certainties or guarantees - just the promise of something totally amazing. Why do we humans continually subject ourselves to the wretched agonies of heartbreak? Because ultimately, love is always worth it. And at those desperate moments when we think that maybe it's not, we are fortunate to have bands like The Feels to soothe our souls.



-L.R.

http://igotthefeels.bandcamp.com/album/dead-skin
https://www.facebook.com/IgotTHEFEELS