Rockeyez Webzine Reviews ‘Days Like These’…

Since then he’s released no less than eleven albums/EP’s (plus one “Best of”) and in that time his style has veered from those AOR leanings of the debut to a more singer/songwriter style all the while still maintaining that melodic rock flair. Think of artists like SISTER HAZEL, EDWIN McCAIN or even the PAT MCGEE BAND and you’ll get the idea. It is fun music, no doubt, and most of the time just plain old feel-good rock and roll.

“Days Like These” is his new EP and it continues with what John is known for these days (I don’t think any pun was intended there). The title track, “Days Like These” gets things started with a feel-good chorus and light and airy vibe. “Here For The Taking” continues with the same vibe. John can write a song but one of the things I always felt lacked on his records is a full-on production. Let me clarify that. See, JOHN TAGLIERI is as indie as indie artists get and he’s always produced his records in his home studios and even plays a fair amount of the instruments at times but it just seems that lack of a “big budget” leaves his records sounding a bit thin to me. I can only imagine what his records and songs would sound like with a big time production. Having said all that, his albums are by no stretch badly produced, they are just a little “indie sounding” that’s all.

“Beautiful Tonight” is a little quirky sounding for my tastes and I think a slightly different arrangement or approach would make the song a little stronger but as is it never lets me warm up to it. Going from a song that left me a bit cold to one that I feel is one of his stronger ones in “Thin Air”. The song has a strong EDWIN McCAIN vibe and shows a depth to TAGLIERI’s songwriting that proves he can pen a tune with best of them. I love the Hammond organ sound and poignant guitar. One of my all-time favorite songs from EDWIN McCAIN is “Sign on the Door” and “Thin Air” reminded me of that a lot in its style and feel.

“Finish Line” continues with that poignant feel and I really dig the direction of the last couple tunes on offer and it actually disappointed me that there was just one song left on the EP at that point. “Toasting The Man In The Moon” wraps up “Days Like These” in fine fashion with a mid-tempo tune full of hooks and melody.

For me, JOHN TAGLIERI’s new EP “Days Like These” started out just a so-so affair but finished up as strong as could be and I wish there were a few more songs in the vein of the last three offered. Fortunately with John’s output of the last few years I shouldn’t have to wait long for some new music from him.
If you are a fan of the music style talked about or any of the artists mentioned you should give JOHN TAGLIERI a listen.