TVT Records

A very happy birthday — the big 3-0 — to ‘Ring‘ from The Connells! This record was life-changing for me.

After this record and through the music, I met the future Mrs. Dr. J. Immediately after the release of this album, I started a newsletter ‘Boylan Heights’ named after the band’s second full-length record and through that experience made lifelong friends. That was followed by a fan site for those who love the band. I traveled across the country to see so many shows – currently, I have seen the band perform over 100 times. A few years ago, I contributed to social media on behalf of fans and the band on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And in a delightful twist of fate, I even became friends with the band.

Thank you – Mike Connell, David Connell, George Huntley, Douglas J. MacMillan, Peele Wimberley, and Steve Potak. ‘Slackjawed’ indeed.

If you’re looking for a sonic journey that takes you straight back to the heart of ’90s alternative rock mixed with the jangle of the 1980s, look no further than ‘Ring.’

In a world where the music landscape is constantly evolving, shifting, and moving under our feet, The Connells’ ‘Ring,’ stands as a testament to the enduring power of pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. This band crafted an album that harkens back to the golden era of jangling guitars and heartfelt lyrics, delivering a sound that’s as fresh as it is nostalgic.

‘Ring’ kicks off with the infectious “Carry My Picture,” a track that immediately transports you to the heyday of college radio, with its catchy hooks, shimmering guitar lines (courtesy of Mike Connell and George Huntley), and blistering drums (from the fantastic drumming of Peele Wimberley). The Connells effortlessly blend elements of jangle pop and alternative rock, creating a sound that’s instantly recognizable yet uniquely their own.

The album is a journey through life’s ups and downs, with songs like “74-75,” “Running Mary,” “Sprial” (sung by Mike Connell), and “New Boy” tugging at your heartstrings with introspective lyrics and undeniable emotional delivery. The Connells’ frontman, Doug MacMillan, pours his soul into each word, making you feel every emotion as if it were your own. In fact, the raw emotional gravity of “74-75” led to that song charting in the UK and several European countries in 1995. The band toured in the UK and throughout Europe on the strength of this song. The piano and keyboards of Steve Potak add the perfect final touches to the song.

One of the standout tracks, “Slackjawed,” is a masterclass in songwriting, with its infectious melody and clever wordplay. The song’s refrain is bound to stick in your head long after the record stops spinning.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wzHWcZsH74c%3Fsi%3DU3MjqzIxjNr0veW2

While ‘Ring’ is filled with moments of introspection and melancholy, it also boasts its fair share of upbeat and anthemic tracks, such as “Slackjawed,” “Carry My Picture,” “Doin’ You” (written and sung by George Huntley), and “Hey You.” The songs on the album showcase The Connells’ ability to balance introspection with exuberance, making for a captivating listening experience from the moment of the album’s release on September 21, 1993, to today thirty years later. From the songs on this album alone, the band should be huge, selling out every stadium you can care to name.

In true rock music fashion, it’s impossible to discuss ‘Ring’ without mentioning the band’s impeccable musicianship. Mike Connell’s guitar work is a thing of beauty, providing the perfect backdrop for MacMillan’s evocative voice. George Huntley provides guitar lines to weave and sway with just the perfect touch. The rhythm section, anchored by drummer Peele Wimberley and bassist David Connell, keeps the songs moving with an infectious groove that feels effortless and perfect.

‘Ring’ should have led a revolution, this record should be on every music fan’s lips like Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ or Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA.’ ‘Ring’ is a reminder of the enduring power of great songwriting and the powerful magic of rock ‘n’ roll. The Connells crafted an album thirty years ago that captures the essence of a musical journey that still feels relevant in today’s ever-changing musical landscape. So, put the needle on the record or hit play on the CD player or stream it, and let ‘Ring’ take you on a journey through the timeless world of The Connells’ music. It’s a brilliant record that deserves a spot in your collection.

The video for ‘Seven’ has been around since the release of The Connells‘ first album Darker Days. The album has recently been released digitally for the first time by the group on their bandcamp page! Tim Harper, the band’s long time soundman re-mastered the album this year. The name of the song ‘seven’ harkens back to a time when Mike Connell, the main songwriter at the time, numbered songs as he wrote them.

The Don Dixon, Dave Adams, Steve Gronback and Rod Dash-produced album was first released in 1985 on the band’s independent label Black Park Records in the United States, and on Elvis Costello’s Demon Records in the UK and Europe. The Black Park and Demon versions of the record are quite unique with different cover art and running order. Most significant is the substitution of “In My Head” for the instrumental “Dial It”, and several tracks were remixed. The Black Park version of the album was re-released in 1987 on TVT Records after the band signed with that label which they would be with until the end of the 1990s. The last record for TVT was 1998’s Still Life. The Connells released Old School Dropouts on their Black Park Records in 2001.

The Connells are preparing to release their latest record ‘Steadman’s Wake’ later this year.