If you listen to The On and Ons' new album Come On In, your first thought might be that this band surely belongs on JEM Records. This group has five albums out in Australia and has established quite a track record for turning out melody-driven, '60s-influenced guitar pop of the highest quality. Come On In compiles standout tracks from the band's back catalog along with three brand-new songs to create a true representation of the very best of The On and Ons. Needless to say, the album is stacked with hits. When it comes to The On and Ons, music is a family affair. The band was formed by brothers Glenn Morris (lead guitar/lead vocals) and Brian Morris (drums/vocals). Dennis Wilson, their brother-in-law, is on guitar. Clyde Bramley (Hoodoo Gurus, The New Christs) rounds out the lineup on bass. Stylistically, this is vintage JEM Records type stuff: exceptionally well-crafted pop-rock with musical and vocal talent in spades. I'm hearing the influence of The Who, Beatles, Hollies, etc. with touches of garage rock, power pop, and modern rock. Simply put, this is truly excellent pop music. Glenn Morris is a fantastic songwriter, and Wilson's pristine guitar work takes these songs to another level. Songs like "Roller Coaster" and "Been There" take inspiration from the golden age of pop rock 'n' roll in a way that's more timeless than retro. "Long Ride" and "She's Leaving" will give you power pop fanatics something to shout about. "Let Ya Hair Down!" is pure British Invasion goodness. "Run to Tomorrow" is garage rock as the music gods intended. Come On In is the band's JEM debut, and it stands toe-to-toe with just about anything the label has put out. Marty Scott sure knows how to pick 'em!
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