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By GINA VIVINETTO, Times Pop Music Critic Published March 14, 2004 RICKY WILCOX, MONKEYSHINE (WWW.RICKYWILCOX.COM) Pinellas County's Ricky Wilcox has been a staple of the local scene for 20 years, playing drums in the revered alt-rock Deloris Telescope in the 1980s and now fronting the Moonsnakes and making a solo name for himself. Monkeyshine, Wilcox's solo debut, is chock full of power pop confections such as the irresistible Shangrila with its sugary chorus and even sweeter meaning. The song is about two lovers who dream of a perfect home for themselves, a place in their heads that may not exist in the real world. (Pay attention to the pummeling drums on this tune; it's Wilcox.) Wilcox is a talented writer, a terrific singer - dig those gritty vocals on Hollow Tree, a sad and punchy ode to what could have been, a tune that laments, "I wish you could have known me better," and punches along in the vein of the Gin Blossoms' Jealousy. Wilcox's disc features guest spots by former DT members Kacy Ross and Stevie Grandmaison, and another special treat for fans of that beloved band: a live version of Desdemona, recorded in the 1980s. |
Issue #195 12/03 Ricky Wilcox:Monkeyshine (13-track CD, recorded at Zen Den, st. Petersburg, FL and Tugboat Studios, produced by Ricky Wilcox and Steve Connelly, Ricky Wilcox: guitar, drums, bass, and vocals, Steve Connely: guitar, pedal steel, Reese Smith: bass, Mark Dupey:drums, Kacy Ross: guitars, Stevie Grandmaison: harmonica, bass, Eddie Pecchio: bass) Ex- Deloris Telescope /Soupy drummer eases back into the current scene with an outstanding pop release, with all the right sounds-jangly guitars, thick backbeat and effortless harmonies. Who knew that the kid behind the kit had such a classic hook-heavy sensibility? Fans of DT will appreciate the availability of "It's True", (the band's track for the '87 Have-a Tampa comp), as well as an unreleased "Desdemona" (from an undated Nashville demo) that sound just as new-just like all timeless pop should. |
THE MOONSNAKES CD RELEASE PARTY W/ SPARKY’S NIGHTMARE/ JOHNNY THUNDERS OVERDOSE former Deloris Telescope drummer and Soupy principal Ricky Wilcox finally brings his soulful power-pop ambitions to fruition via The Moonsnakes, which features luminary friends Stevie Grandmaison (Deloris Telescope) and Raiford Starke (ripping guitarist/songwriter). Think about an intelligent mish-mash of Britpop, Americana, and early 80’s Athens smart jangle and you’re on your way. Evocative, poppy stuff. Providing more than adequate support are fellow Athens-philes Sparky’s Nightmare (who have suddenly become one of S. Pete’s tightest pop bands) and dirty blues punk acolytes Johnny Thunders Overdose. (Sept. 13, ACL Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg) |