Old Man Motel

• Track Listing

Ink Blot Review However schizophrenic Fernando Viciconte might seem, he's a damn good songwriter. You might say Old Man Motel is a bit of Neil Young meets Elliott Smith. Or you could say it's Matthew Sweet meets The Beatles. Whatever you say, you're likely to admit that Fernando has quite a knack for creating fantastic pop songs. He creates a mood that sways from all out air guitar fests like 'Ride' and 'Couldn't Believe,' to the gentle melancholic grandeur of songs like 'Deviant' and 'S. California.' There's also a naturally rare and dated feel to this record which is definitely a welcome texture once you first put this album on. It's a feel that many bands try to reproduce today by using vintage equipment and such. But the mood created by Fernando on this record is one that comes solely with age and an intriguing perspective. Fernando's creative force should make you instantly love this record. If you're not a fan of melody and meaning, then move on. 'Swing Low' is one of the greatest songs of our decade. For fans of: Neil Young, Elliott Smith Ink 19 Review Fernando Old Man Motel Cravedog Old Man Motel, the first English language release from Fernando Viciconte and crew in two years, is as welcome in this time of musical packing peanuts as a cool breeze is on a hot night. How an Argentine-born songwriter can so cleverly capture the essence of American music may remain a mystery, but Viciconte does so handily on this new release. Opening with 'Ride', you think the record will continue to careen along in a CCR meets a garage band sort of groove, until 'Same Ol' King' shimmers with George Harrison slide guitar and Badfingerish pop. 'Jesus' thunders in like Animals -era Pink Floyd, and the rest of the record is no less diverse, but always true and smart. This is one of the strongest releases of the year, an album whose intent it is to entertain without begging, to convince without shouting. Old Man Motel succeeds on both counts. James Mann Fernando, a diverse Rock Band from Portland, Oregon, is both the lead singer/guitarist (Fernando Viciconte) and the band name. Fernando's style is Rock 'n' Roll to the core, though he often expands past that to come up with a very eclectic sound. He spins through R&B, Folk, and Spanish influences, but always comes back to his main love, Rock 'n' Roll. In 1996 they released WIDOWS, a Folk Country Rock album that was, for the most part, laid back and settled. The lo-fi, eight track recording quality was evident, and helped add to the spacious, wide open sound. Fernando Viciconte followed that up with a 'Rock en Espanol' record that was later promoted with his other band, Fernando y Los Cochinos. The album, PACOIMA, named after the city in which Fernando grew up (in California), is a gritty, Rock 'n' Roll album with the gust and sincerity of the oldies in which they received inspiration. They even cover another rocker from Pacoima, Richie Valens, on 'Ooh, My head.' Now, Fernando's back with their latest, OLD MAN MOTEL, a big Rock 'n' Roll album that has Fernando rocking out more then ever, while still staying true to his ability to jump around and fuse different influences into a tight package. Opening with the gritty 'Ride,'