The Bacon Brothers ((from the album Ballad of the Brothers

The Bacon Brothers ((from the album Ballad of the Brothers

The Bacon Brothers ((from the album Ballad of the Brothers available on Forty Below Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
There used to be a stigma attached to any actor who also aspired to be a singer. It worked best in reverse, when Barbara Streisand, Elvis Presley, and Kris Kristofferson translated their singing skills into successful acting careers and gained fame after finding subsequent success in both. These days, dual show biz careers seem to go hand-in-mic, and nowhere is that more evident than in the tuneful trajectory pursued by the Bacon Brothers.
 
Kevin Bacon is, of course, an A-list Hollywood celebrity, but his brother Michael has accrued an abundance of credibility in his own right as an Emmy-winning composer. Over the course of their combined career, they’ve accrued a faithful following, courtesy of a regular touring schedule that has shored up their acumen as singers and songwriters who can proudly tout their musical merits.
 
With Ballad of the Brothers, they share a series of songs which emphasize a decidedly focused approach to that ongoing musical mantra. While the album’s first two tracks, “Take Off This Tattoo” and “Losing the Night” hint at darker designs, the festive “Put Your Hand Up” is obviously intended to rally the concert crowd. “Dreams of the San Joaquin” offers a softer and more subdued sound graced with Americana imagery. It’s a rare moment of reflection in an album that generally keeps the momentum moving forward.
 
That said, most of the material falls somewhere in between, from the soft shimmer given “Old Bronco” to the precise pacing of the contemplative “Airport Bar”. So too, they frequently pair mood with melody and find good results. A cover of the Pat Benatar classic “We Belong” written by singer and songwriting team of Lowen and Navarro, finds a perfect fit within their musical motif.
 
Ultimately, Ballad of the Brothers leaves no doubt as to the pair’s commitment to the cause of simply serving up perfect pop songs that are easily capable of making a mark in the mainstream. It’s not especially heady stuff, but it does possess its own appeal. The jaunty and jubilant strains of the title track and the jazzy instrumental “Freestanding” are two more obvious examples.
 
Ultimately, Ballad of the Brothers offers the kind of competence and credibility that most bands would be delighted to enjoy. The Bacons are sizzling yet again.
(By Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of The Bacon Brothers from AMAZON
 
For more information head over to The Bacon Brothers website