The Also-Rans, Son of Janus, BingBong (album release)
Lori Ushman
BingBong standing outside the Crystal Corner Bar.
BingBong (from left): Pam Barrett, Brian Bentley, Julie Kiland, Danny Hicks.
Shimmering guitars (“Let’s Run Away”); groovy, crunchy rockers (“I Am You”); introspective janglers (“Wait for Me”); even a Spooner cover (“Mean Old World”)…for fans of catchy guitar rock, Hip Eponymous has the goods. It's Madison quartet BingBong’s third album, and will be celebrated at this release party. They are joined by Madison rock-country outfit The Also-Rans (an all-star quartet drawn from many other local bands past and present) and prolific Rockford rockers Son of Janus (led by Ryan Hayes).
media release: Two years in the making, BingBong’s third full-length album, Hip Eponymous, is finally ready for prime time! It’s chock full of the jangly, precision-crafted pop songs that you’ve come to expect from this band.
A string of MAMAs award winning singles have bridged the gap since their last release in 2021. And the single, "Clear Blue Sky," off of this new album, is currently a finalist for Overall Song of the Year.
Teaming up with award winning producer/engineer, Jake Johnson of Paradyme studios, BingBong took a slow, deliberate look at each song and painstakingly arranged everything just the way they wanted it to be. For those familiar with Jake’s work, you’ll hear his influences in each track!
BingBong’s first album, Pop Restoration was all analog from start to finish. Their second album, a live performance offering. Hip Eponymous boasts all of the bells and whistles that a digital recording can afford. There are layers of tracks that you’ll hear on second and third listen. There are even some layers that only your dog can hear…you’re welcome Fido!
Most of the songs on Hip Eponymous were written during the COVID lockdown. Tunes run the gamut from the gloomy-doomy Rule the Ruin to the hopeful optimism of Lucky. Clear Blue Sky, our pre-released single, is a story of someone searching for true love. And Casanova’s Sons is a flip of the finger to all of those greedy evil doers out there.
BingBong has broken from their tradition of only recording and releasing original songs. In a nod to one of Madison’s most storied bands, this album contains a cover of the Spooner hit, Mean Old World. Written by Duke Erickson, Mean Old World just plain fits on this album and he was gracious and generous enough to allow BingBong to record it!
All paying attendees at the release party on Thursday, November 21st will receive a free compact disc of Hip Eponymous. Yes, you’ll be able to download the whole album online. But, wouldn’t you like a coaster as well?