The Livesays Give Us More Than We Bargained For On New Album

BY KARYN A. POKLETAR

The Livesays are greatly accomplished musicians fronted by the bands namesake, singer-songwriter and guitarist William “Billy” Livesay, who toured with former E-Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons for over 12 years. The Livesays (Pronounced “thuh lev-va-sees”) independent release Not What I Bargained For is their fifth album, comprised of twelve tracks; ten originals plus two covers, and follows their 2020 studio release, The Rhythm of Love and Dysfunction. South Florida based, the band offers up memorable rock tunes with their influences evident throughout, which include Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, The Who, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, and more.

Distinct Jersey and Asbury Park sounds have been a component of The Livesays since the group was formed in 1996. The bands leader, Billy Livesay, has maintained his classic rock sensibility and radio-ready hooks for over 25 years. Howard Goldburg (on drums) has shared the stage with BB King while Jorge LaPlume (on bass), Tim Murphy (on Piano and vocals), Cuqui Barrios (organ, piano, vocals) all add to solid chemistry between the band members.

In addition to sharing the stage with industry giants, Billy Livesay has an extensive song catalog. He’s licensed 21 songs to MTV, has multiple publishing deals, and has written tunes for dozen’s of television shows and made for TV movies, to name a few of his accomplishments. This is badass music with a message! The songs are inspired by the political landscape, bullying, poverty, conspiracy theories, social media bloat, all of which have been especially evident for the last year and a half during Covid-19. Fans are presented subject matter which is easy to relate to on this album.

Not What I Bargained For opens with very Tom Petty sounding instrumentation, leading into the culturally relevant “Two Sides” as Livesay sings “It’s true, it’s true, there’s a conspiracy//I know because I read it in the newsfeed//Ideas about religion and politics//Two sides along with the ridiculous.” The lyricist, in this song is saying that once upon a time, cogent conversations about polarizing subjects were had by intellectuals, the brave, or even normal people and now, he adds, the comically absurd and the ridiculous have a go. In other words, a third chair added to the debate panel, belongs to all the crazies who’ve come out to destroy people’s connections with one another by touting opinion over fact. The timely song goes on to say “I try to recognize misinformation//Falsehood narratives are so alive and well.” Very rhythm forward, with desperation in his voice, (which is reminiscent of Springsteen’s straining, gruff vocal architecture) “Two Sides” continues to rip into worldwide misinformation and media hype, exposing dissenters.

Speaking of Springsteen, his song “If I Should I Fall Behind” (heavy hitting, pure poetry, tragically sad) is well suited to the frontman’s throaty styling and the bands soaring harmonies. So antithetical to our current cancel-culture’s “off with their head’s” mentality, the song is written with tons of exquisite humanity and gorgeous compassion. “So let’s make our steps clear that the other may see// and I’ll wait for you, and should I fall behind, wait for me.”

Numerous gems on this disc like “In A Small Town” (Livesay’s voice gets a bit sharp when he reaches and strains for the upper register of this song) recount the experience of what it’s like for many Americans who populate smaller urban areas. Also, by the time we get toward the end of the album, The Livesays serve up a hefty slice of hope with a sprinkling of light to permeate the cloud covered world and the evil of some people who try to run it. “Better Angels” reminds us to stop using our lizard-brains and remember that as humans, we graduated from a lower life-form many moons ago. Then we can be more aware of when we’re acting like a stupid donkey, and show the humanity we’re capable of as the melody conveys through it’s “Arriving just in time//To tell the truth over the lies//The better angels of our nature rising up tonight” lyric.

The second to last track “Can’t Stop the Talking,” complete with Rod Stewart sounding vocals, lyrically conveys it’s story of verbal abuse, incredulity, and subsequent wisdom with a melodious and pretty piano run, then a key change. The final verse resolves quietly and is a companion piece to the keyboards, big guitar sound, and zippy, perspective laden “Crazy, Isn’t It?” This last song, featuring lovely guitar riff’s, make one hope, this five piece band will invite Don Henley to collaborate with them someday.

The Livesays give us more than we’ve bargained for: Colorful syncopation, well schooled musicianship, rock, pop and soul steeped in emotionally moving lyrics and story line. It’s catchy-as-heck, this album. Put the top down and turn up the music! Indeed, a worthy listen.