A Brandy Alexander is a brandy-based dessert cocktail, which according to Wikipedia was John Lennon’s favorite drink. It wasted him and Harry Nilsson at the Troubador in March 1974, and eventually, they were kicked out of the prominent Los Angeles nightclub after they had heckled the performing act and Lennon reportedly had hit a waitress. The potent drink also inspired the name of Canadian psychedelic rock band The Brandy Alexanders who released their eponymous debut album last Friday (December 10). The sound is quite melodic and, yes, intoxicating.
The Brandy Alexanders were formed by brothers Alex Dick (lead vocals, guitar) and Daniel Dick (keyboards) in 2016, notes the band’s biography. The brothers, who write the group’s lyrics and music, had started their musical journey in high school where they formed two now-defunct bands. Sean Shepherd (lead guitar), Zack Vivier (bass) and Robbie Cervi (drums) complete the group’s line-up.
The Brandy Alexanders describe their music as follows: Somewhere in the expanse between the Dark Side of The Moon and Abbey Road – Psychedelic Rock band, The Brandy Alexanders, take you to a parallel universe. Introspective, and almost existential lyrics are expressed via dream like vocals that weave themselves into a wall of propulsive guitar riffs, textured synths and a bold rhythm section. Jeez, couldn’t have said it any better! 🙂
In 2019, Renan Yildizdogan, the founder of Gypsy Soul Records, saw The Brandy Alexanders at a local performance venue in Toronto. He subsequently signed them, and their debut appears on the independent label. During an interview with Canadian Beats, the band said the album’s album origin was a 2016 EP, which eventually developed into the nine tracks that are out now. Time for some music. Unless noted otherwise, all tracks are credited to Alexander Dick and Shawn Dawson.
Here’s the opener Ceiling Fan, Man. The tune first appeared as the album’s lead single on August 27. It’s got a cool riff and a big sound that drew me in. Here’s the official video – quite trippy!
Shiram is a nice rocker. In addition to the fuzzy guitar, I like the keyboard work on this track.
Hey, Why’d You Do It is another song with a great riff and a cool sound. It’s just catchy.
Next up: Live by the Light, a tune solely written by Alex Dick, and the band’s new single. “This song evolved over the course of two years, eventually adding the chorus and the unison guitar part after Alex and Dan did multiple demos,” the band told Canadian Beats. I dig the groove. And once again, the sound is great!
The last track I’d like to highlight is the closer Spaceopus, a co-write by the two brothers. And, yes, it’s spacey and has an epic feel to it!
I came across The Brandy Alexanders by coincidence. For some reason, I didn’t see their new album when I checked iTunes for new releases last Friday. While it does get a bit repetitive after some time, the sound of this band is pretty compelling. I look forward to more of their music in the future.
Sources: The Brandy Alexanders website; Canadian Beats; YouTube
Christian's Music Musings 
Ah, yes. Lennon’s famous 18-month “Lost Weekend.” Reportedly he went into a bathroom, put a sanitary napkin on his head, came out, and said, “Do you know who I am?” Yes, the waitress replied. You’re some asshole with a Kotex on his head. I always enjoyed that story but I read recently that it may well be apocryphal. Anyway, nice sound here but they couldn’t be further from ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ if they tried.
Here’s a picture of the bad boys being tossed out of the Troubador.
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/british-singer-songwriter-musician-john-lennon-is-held-back-news-photo/56084489
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Yep, indeed, the lost weekend. I’ve seen that pic as well. John clearly doesn’t look happy.
I also recall reading that when security escorted him and Harry Nilsson out of the Troubador, he lost his glasses. Supposedly, he started striking out. Since he was extremely shot-sighted, he couldn’t really see well what he was doing and ended up hitting the waitress accidentally. Who knows…
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Yeah, I’ve heard that too. Not sure if I’m buying it. Lennon was a mean drunk and he was known for beating people up. And his reputation with women in that regard was not good.
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Yep, I suppose he could be impulsive.
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Coincidentally with the ‘Get Back series, a friend loaned me a bio called ‘Lennon’ by a guy named Riley. Well-written, good book if you’re ever looking for a good Beatle book.
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Thanks for the tip. Sadly, I do have to admit I’m not a big reader. I know it’s a lame excuse, part of the explanation is that my job pretty much involves reading for most of the day.
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Well, there are worse jobs than that. I spend entirely too much time on rock books!
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You’re certainly right about the job. I’ve been working from home for now close to two years. Having a job that allows me to that is a privilege, no question!
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We could be shoveling coal!
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Great sound Christian…I’m glad this kind of sound is still living on…it has a drive to it.
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A new band to me, but I like their sound. I especially like “Live By the Light” and “Spaceopus”.
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I had never heard of The Brandy Alexanders before either. In part intrigued by their name and because they were classified as psychedelic rock, I became curious and started listening to the album. One thing led to another and voila!
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