Smile Pretty Misery

Smile Pretty Misery
Measured In Miles

By Tiffany Razzano

Baldwin-based Smile Pretty Misery has released its first album, a six-song EP, Measured in Miles, which showcases the group's ability to be diverse while still creating a niche for itself in the dense Long Island scene.

It kicks off with a burst of jazzy pop (or poppy jazz?) on "(You Know) You Gotta Love Her." And just when you think the group might be pigeon-holed, the second track, "Will But No Way," comes on, which is not only a bit edgier, but is also, basically, a perfect pop-rock song. Catchy, accessible and all-around sonically pleasing (think John Mayer or Gavin DeGraw), its radio-friendly vibe makes this a perfect single for the band. "June to September" and "Snake Oil Man" are written in the same vein.

All around, it's a great first EP, but there are two tracks that truly stand out, one being the last track, "Happy New Year," a slow, acoustic tune that's thoughtful, wistful and melds folk, pop and jazz. The other is "Blood Red Ink," a beautiful song that's emotional, melodically subtle - yet powerful - and theatrical, invoking Antony and the Johnsons. It also utilizes the violin to create an ethereal, other-worldly feel.

For more information, go to myspace.com/smileprettymisery or smileprettymisery.com.



Published August 22, 2008 Perpetual Toxins © 2006-2008. All rights reserved - Perpetual Toxins Magazine

Monday, July 28, 2008
Smile Pretty Misery: Feast your ears on this one



Anger, elation, confusion, contentment, despair - the debut effort by Long Island, New York-based indie pop/rock band Smile Pretty Misery will take you through an entire menu of emotion before leaving a satisfied taste in your mouth. I was hungry for more of these guys after listening to the six tracks comprising Measured in Miles (August 2008 / self-released), a short but well-developed collection full of variety.

From the jovial tunes "(You Know) You Gotta Love Her" and "June to September" to the moodier "Will But No Way" and the quiet, reflective "Happy New Year," each track will evoke a separate feeling. (Although the EP only introduces us to six songs, that awesome microchasm known as YouTube can feed us four more tracks for dessert, replete with footage from recent gigs. Just log on to youtube.com and search for Smile Pretty Misery. Consider them bonus tracks, of which my definite favorite is the powerfully atmospheric "Satellite.")

Careful and detailed composition is the first striking feature of the collection, especially on "Blood Red Ink," which adds strings as a backdrop to the dark picture the song paints. Irony and metaphor reminiscient of Jason Mraz and Fiona Apple are common lyrical techniques, as demonstrated on the track "Happy New Year" with lines like "Seems all broken-hearted dreamers have nothing more to teach us / When they become presented with problems they can't solve." In "Snake Oil Man," with lyrics like "He speaks in Ragtime riddles / He's peddling peace of mind / He's a regular broken-record salesman," the point is so cleverly stated that it could be about almost anyone, from a drifter ex-lover to President George W. Bush.

Smile Pretty Misery demonstrates a capacity for songwriting much more mature than its two-year history as a band would otherwise indicate. Perhaps it's due to lead singer Jaymes Welsh's classical opera background and the resourceful style of drummer Chris Bonacorsa, or perhaps it's due to the energy of bassist Mike Bayer or guitarist Al Domingo's prior experiences playing with a host of well-known Long Island acts. Whatever the case may be, Smile Pretty Misery has clearly made a smart move with Measured in Miles, satisfying through and through.

More Smile Pretty Misery:
www.myspace.com/smileprettymisery
http://www.smileprettymisery.com/

~Janine Sebastian
Angry Angel Arts and Entertainment
http://angryangelarts.blogspot.com
- Angry Angel Arts and Entertainment

Smile Pretty Misery – Measured In Miles
2008, Smile Pretty Misery

Baldwin, New York’s Smile Pretty Misery has been spreading their blend of Jazz, Pop and Rock all over Long Island for the last two-and-a-half years. With a wonderfully smooth mix of styles and sounds, stellar songwriting and smooth as silk vocalist Jaymes Welsh. In 2008, Smile Pretty Misery released Measured In Miles. Let’s check it out.

Measured In Miles opens with (You Know) You Gotta Love Her, a glorious pop/jazz hybrid that’s pure gold. Vocalist Jaymes Welsh is an old school crooner although there are a couple of notes here that are way out of his regular range. This is a doozy of a leadoff song, building significant expectations for the rest of the EP. For the most part, Smile Pretty Misery delivers. Will But No Way is a fairly typical alt-rock song recorded with minimalist instrumentation/effects. The melody is quite memorable and the lyrics show real thought and depth. Blood Red Ink is also highly memorable, building simultaneously in sound, intensity and emotion before deflating in self-realization at the end of each chorus.

June To September is based on an infectious melody, playing off Welsh’s lyric voice against jangly guitars and moderately aggressive percussion. This is the most sonically striking song on the album and the one most likely to have distinct commercial impact. Snake Oil Man is a pleasant listen, and Happy New Year closes out the set with a mellow benediction of personal change.

Smile Pretty Misery is a distinctive band with a unique sound. It’s not rock or pop, exactly, although they touch on those genres. Think more classic singer/songwriter style with a touch of old school vocalist (think Johnny Mercer crossed with Josh Groban.) In spite of the mellow, slightly repressed arrangements (ala Norah Jones), Smile Pretty Misery brings energy and vitality to every note. Measured In Miles gets high marks as a very enjoyable introduction to Smile Pretty Misery. Don’t miss this one.


Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Smile Pretty Misery at http://www.smileprettymisery.com/ or www.myspace.com/smileprettymisery. You can purchase a copy of Measured In Miles at www.cdbaby.com/smileprettymisery.
Posted by Wildy at 5:20 AM
Labels: Jaymes Welsh, Johnny Mercer, Josh Groban, Norah Jones, Smile Pretty Misery



- Wildy's World-http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/review-smile-pretty-misery-measured-in.html

Perhaps some of the coolest and quite talented guys I have had the pleasure to interview so far in my career the guys from Smile Pretty Misery promise to continue the trend of making great music as others have done before them. In this recent spotlight, Mike, Chris, Cliff, and Jaymes were accommodating in answering our questions. Here is the final outcome. Enjoy!

Isaac: Hi Everyone. Welcome to your interview with Junior's Cave. Now that 2008 has officially ended, what are your reflections of the year 2008 for Smile Pretty Misery?

Mike: 2008 was a busy year for us. We've been writing a lot more songs, and pushing ourselves into new musical territories. Jaymes even wrote a love song. Physically, we moved to a new home for rehearsals, and I think that has helped us be more comfortable, and therefore more creative.

Chris: 2008 was a good year for SPM to reflect and build on our strengths. We added a new member and have been looking forward towards a strong 2009.

Jaymes: It was a very good year. It had an excellent body and a slight melancholy aftertaste. We finished our first EP, which was awesome, and we have really been writing a lot. I myself have probably never been so creative. (Wipes nails on shirt)

Isaac: How did everyone come together as a group? What drew you to each other?

Chris: Al and Jaymes had been in a band together and were looking for some new inspiration. Mike and I were both friends of Al but we had never played with Jaymes or each other really. I was very excited when Al asked me to come down and play with Jaymes because I heard his stuff and I was a big fan (don't tell Jaymes). That night went well and a few weeks later the four of us were on stage playing our first show. Cliff, a more recent addition to the band, is a welcome boost of energy. His up beat personality and overall well-rounded playing will bring a lot to the band in the near future.

Cliff: Well I was looking for a change in scenery, coming from a jazz/fusion background. I met Al on Craigslist of all places, and we took it from there!

Mike: Sheer animal magnetism. Have you looked at Al lately?

Jaymes: I would have to agree with everyone. Al is like the Elmer's glue to this band. In one word, the answer is: Al. He puts the "Al" in Always.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

Cliff: Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colauita, Chick Corea, John Mayer, Tower of Power, Alicia Keys, Gospel Music, Bob Marly, and an old time friend Glauco Lima, amazing piano player.

Jaymes: Well, I always loved Jeff Buckley and Queen. I still think those two had the best voices to ever come out of rock. I also though have liked some other artists along the way, in no particular order: The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Ryan Adams, Martin Sexton, Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice, Ben Folds, Jason Mraz, Maroon Five, The Killers, and The Who. I also have been really getting into Kings of Leon lately.

Mike: Axl Rose. I hope to one day spend 14 years recording an album that will suck because nothing can beat my first album.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel Smile Pretty Misery will bring to the music industry?

Chris: We're not gonna be the band doing blow off hooker's butts. We're just looking to put out some really great music that people can enjoy- some rainy day music, some reflective break-up songs and some stuff that you can't help but rock out to.

Mike: I think what Chris meant to say was music that reminds you why you became passionate about your favorite music in the first place.

Cliff: SPM has a fresh new sound that's missing in radio. I believe the public is tired of bands made by labels, and not by sweat and dedication. SPM is this new sound we've all been waiting for.

Jaymes: Wait. No blow? Why am I even here then?

(Isaac clapping his hand and laughing)

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Mike: The Beatles. They did everything and they did it really well.

Jaymes: I would also have to say the Beatles, but mostly because I wanna see who would win in a fight between John and Paul. The closest thing to that now is going to an Oasis concert, but that's just not the same.

Chris: Wyclef. Why not? Everything that guy touches is gold.

Cliff: Beethoven.

Jaymes Again: I want to change my answer to Mozart.

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

Chris: fun, jazzy, contemplative, cathartic, sweet&sour.

Jaymes: Funny. That's also how I describe my lunch.

Cliff: Intoxicating.

Mike: We have better chords than you.

Jaymes: I would tell them to hear it for themselves. We have been described as anything from Jazzy fun to U2 idolizers. But we all like to hear whatever people have to say. It just adds some flavor to the gumbo. Man, now Chris has got me hungry!

Isaac: What is your definition of Rock Music?

Mike: Music either rocks or it doesn't. You know what I mean?

Cliff: Timed Madness.

Chris: *dirty words edited for content*

Jaymes: I second what Chris said, although not as disgustingly. You know rock when you hear it. I say that for most people…if you own a Nickelback album, you are not most people.

Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?

Mike: My favorite kind of feedback is at a live show, when we stop playing and it's dead quiet - followed by a singular 'Wow' from someone in the audience. That's when I know we're doing it right.

Jaymes: People tend to love it. I think it's because we have something to appeal to everyone. A lot of bands say that, and then every song sounds the same. By just listening to our EP, you can easy see that that is not the case with us. Our goal is to write good songs, and people seem to get that. They all tie together, but only because the term "Rock" is so incredibly loose.

Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

Mike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0

Jaymes: You can also find us @ www.smileprettymisery.com. We have all our Super Friends links there.

Chris: myspace, facebook, reverbnation, itunes, cdbaby, etc…

Jaymes: Which all link from our website.

Isaac: What can fans expect from Smile Pretty Misery in 2009?

Cliff: A KICK ASS GOOD TIME! But seriously, you can expect great music, a committed band dedicated to bringing high quality intoxicating music day in and out.

Mike: More misery, more hiding it behind sarcasm, and more rock.

Jaymes: A slightly happier us…upgrading us to just above completely miserable- except for the love song. That's not miserable. And puppies, they kinda make you smile as well. We also have an EP release party in March, a tour, and more planned. We are hopefully gonna continue to get on the radio and expand our miserable empire!! (Insert maniacal laugh here).

Chris: Lots of spooning.

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…

Cliff: I would like to thank God for allowing me to take this small skill set to a stage for people to enjoy. Thank my parents, Suzy and Olimpio, my sister Heather, fellow friends, musicians, Glauco, Marcio, Paulo, Moises, Heldery, and so many other friends that have inspired me to keep on going. A special shout to my bro, Brian your going to be a dad!

Chris: Mom, Dad, Mike love you guys. SMMS Family. SPM groupies. Jenny from the block.

Mike and Jaymes: HEY FAMILY!! HEY FRIENDS!!

Mike: Sorry, it was too easy.

Jaymes: Agreed. I would also like to give a shout out to Al Domingo and hope he gets back safe from his trip to Borneo.*

Isaac: Final words from Smile Pretty Misery…

Cliff: In the words of Edward R. Murrow "Good night and good luck."

Mike: And they lived miserably ever after…

Jaymes: Ha. Last word. It always tastes just as sweet as imagined. Now let's go get some lunch. You down, Isaac?

Isaac: I am down for lunch, Jaymes

*At the time of this interview, Al was lost in the Jungles of Borneo, and thus unavailable for comment.

- Published: January 24, 2009 4:47 PM EST