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I worked at my college radio station, WVYC (York College of Pennsylvania) and had lots of great opportunities to meet bands and go to their shows. On February 28, 1991, on the eve of my 21st birthday, my friend Bill Walton and I went to a club in Harrisburg, PA to interview the North Carolina band The Connells. They were so gracious with their time in answering our questions and at the end, asked if we were coming to the show. It was a 21+ show, but the band said, “Don’t worry…we’ll make sure you’re on the list.”
The concert was even more amazing than the interview was - they played all my favorites, including tracks off of their album Fun & Games. Afterwards, we had some beers, they signed my concert shirt and I went back to my dorm a happy man.
Fun & Games by The Connells is a testament to the evolving alternative rock scene of the late 1980s and a continuation of the guitar-oriented, melodic, jangle-pop style of music that I fell in love with in college. The album offers a blend of catchy hooks and reflective lyrics that speak to both a sense of nostalgia and a forward-looking perspective. It may still be my favorite album from them and it’s today’s feature on I Own That CD/Album!
The first track on the album is "Something to Say," which combines intricate guitar riffs from Mike Connell with a driving beat from Peele Wemberley resonate with me, exploring themes of communication and the struggle to find one's voice. The Connells manage to strike a balance between upbeat melodies and contemplative lyrics. A few songs later, George Huntley (the other guitarist), takes over lead vocals on the charming and catchy track, “Sal”.
"Hey Wow," highlights the vocals of lead singer Doug MacMillan that soar on the song with lush arrangements and harmonized vocals create a dreamy atmosphere. The Connells' ability to shift moods within the same album demonstrates their versatility as musicians.
Normally the first half of an album is where the strongest tracks are, but I’d argue that side two is better. The last three tracks in particular are still ear candy for me. Starting with “Uninspired” a slow, simmering, end of the bar song that melts me still. “Sat Night (USA)” is an up-tempo, southern-inspired track with some fantastic horns added to the mix while “Lay Me Down” is a gorgeous closer that will have you singing along to the final “la, la, la’s”.
I love this album and this band. Fun & Games is an album that captures a moment in time for me. The combination of melodic guitar work, thoughtful lyrics, and a range of emotional tones make it a complete, compelling album. I have it on CD and vinyl and you can borrow either copy anytime, if you’d like.
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