Joey & The Big Casino is an offshoot project from Stanley In Heaven featuring the songwriting and vocal talents of Joey Whitehead from SIH and the beautiful voice of Kate Gardner from Godlikegenius.

http://www.myspace.com/joeythebigcasino

I’ve just listened to “3rd Fret” on their MySpace player and I must be honest I was blown away. When it first started I admit thinking it would be guitar and vocals and that’s it. I had no idea it would escalate into a (you’re going to love this description) “rich and creamy” duet with harmonies to die for and a mellow string section. The last song I heard that was as beautiful was Thomas Dolby and Eddie Reader singing “Cruel”

I’m now listening to “Tulum” and yet again it’s a builder. The vocals become more and more layered with alternate vocal melodies under pinning the main performance. There’s even what I call a ‘hidden vocal’ on the very last few bars in the right channel singing something inaudible that isn’t the main lyrics. Tears For Fears used to do this in a lot of their songs and I’ve always loved the technique but you rarely hear it.

Ah, now something that introduces more instruments. “Saltwater” is upbeat with some really nice bass lines and a great melody. It’s driving me mad because there is a recent band who’ve had chart success and sound just like Joey and this song. I can’t for the life of me remember their name – it’s on the tip of my tongue. Maybe someone can help me out and leave a comment as to who it is (It’s the “Kooks” you’re thinking of – Ed)

It’s a great compilation of songs, warming music and a lovely little side project from Stanley in Heaven.

http://www.myspace.com/joeythebigcasino

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