Anny Celsi: Blog

RAGAZZA MUSIC - Once in a blue moon a great L.A. style pop album comes around. For sheer pop genius this time out, it’s the 2009 CD release of Tangle-Free World by Anny Celsi. It’s near impossible to escape the fantastic pop and rock music lineage of L.A. From the innocent beginningsof Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys to the great psychedelic flourishes of L.A. and sister city San Francisco by the end of the 1960's, California leaves a music legacy second to none. A thoroughly modern singer-songwriter and guitarist looking to move the California folk-rock and power pop sound into the millennium, Ms. Celsi’s album has it all, including a valuable historical context within which she weaves her pop magic. Critics may cite influences like The Bangles to The Byrds within her music, but dig deeper and the sound further unfolds with fresh covers of the Lee Hazelwood / Nancy Sinatra track “Some Velvet Morning” and there’s even a cover of “Sally Go Round The Roses” with a vocal cameo from L.A. singing great Evie Sands. Key to the album’s success is the outstanding production and arranging from Nelson Bragg, who also mixed the CD, as well also a top band including guitarist Rick Gallego, Brian Wilson band members Scott Bennett (keys) and Nick Walusko, who’s also a member of The Wondermints. Considering the ‘60s vibe throughout the set, Wilson himself would dig this eclectic retro-rock album. The packaging is fantastic too with its fold-out multi-panel digi-pak design featuring all the credits amid a swirl of paisley pop art designs. A trip into the musical time tunnel, Tangle-Free World is an essential cross-section of 21st century L.A. pop.