Review by Patrick Joseph & Staff
“God Bless California (Ooh L.A.)” is an epic and sweeping piece of music. The incredible “wall of sound” achieved on this track is reminiscent of classic recordings of the golden era of music production. Wonderfully catchy vocal melodies and expertly executed instrumental performances make this song an absolute winner. There is a “depth of concept” that is obviously present in this song. Bouncy and uplifting, “God Bless California” will have you dancing and singing along.
Lyrically, “God Bless California (Ooh L.A.)” is a love song to none other than the city of angels. “I walk the streets a subway token in my hand, New York’s so cold I should be lyin’ in the sand.” Frandkin’s comfortable vocal performance makes a compelling case to pack up and move west. “God Bless California with your sun and shining sea. You’re the only state where peace of mind washes over me.” The completeness of the band and the effortlessness of the composition make these lyrics ultra-effective.
The arrangement of “God Bless California (Ooh L.A.)” is courageous and artisanal. The swung rhythms and the massive instrumental layering create a steamroller of a groove over which Fradkin can deliver an endearing vocal performance. The lyrics and melodies are very friendly, and listeners will fall in love right away with this one. An expressive piano solo sits perfectly between the final choruses, giving listeners a slight dip in dynamics before the band drives the music home. Fradkin has done it again with this rich and delightful work of art.
About Les Fradkin
Les Fradkin is a Producer and Composer / 12 String Bassist, Multi Instrumentalist, Vocalist and One Man Band. He creates Progressive and Pop Rock for One Man Band from the Pioneer of MIDI Guitar.
Les is a successful songwriter/composer from the 1970's, lead guitarist, and one of the original members of the hit Broadway show "Beatlemania". He was a Guitar Synthesizer and Tapeless Recording pioneer of the 1980's, a neoclassical guitar trendsetter in the 1990's and is now a 21st Century innovator as a virtuoso MIDI Guitarist. A classically trained musician as well as being a rock guitarist, he has found success as a recording artist, composer and producer with MGM Sunflower, ESP-Disk, Bell, Arista, RCA, and Laurie Records. Les has written the well known hit "La Chansons Des Souvenirs" ("Song Of A Thousand Voices") for the famous French songstress Mireille Mathieu on the Philips label and this tune has also been recorded in a hit version on RCA Victor (now Sony/BMG) by the Latin Pop icon Roberto Jordan ("Donde"). He was originally discovered and signed by John Hammond Sr. at Columbia back in 1969. Learn more at his website.
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