Chris Connelly – House of 70’s
“House of 70’s” is an exciting tribute to Lou Reed’s dark, decadent, and chaotic New York in the early to mid 1970s. The music is inspired by Reed’s sharp views of the city, its characters, scandals, and underground culture, and it turns that environment into a powerful rock song with a distinct cinematic identity. The track begins with radio advertisements and samples, creating the impression that we are entering a different era. When the main song begins, the production impresses with clarity and depth. Every instrument has its own place in the mix, making the arrangement simple to follow. As the vocals start, the Lou Reed influence is obvious, with frequent touches of David Bowie in the vocal style and technique. The composition combines classic rock guitars with Soul elements, while the backing vocals add a warm, almost gospel-like sound that contrasts well with the darker lyrical content. The guitar work switches between Rolling Stones-inspired rock riffs and a proto-punk attitude, resulting in a sound that sounds authentically 1970s. The production gives the song a very rich and sophisticated quality, with layers revealing themselves as you listen more carefully. Lyrically, “House of 70’s” presents a decadent vision of New York, full of glamour, addiction, ambition, underground characters, and the unusual spirit of the time. The references to Warhol, Mercer Street, 52nd Street, and the city’s nightlife reinforce the impression that the listener is being taken straight to a certain time and place. The storyline also contains a strong feeling of irony, which is consistent with Lou Reed’s dark mindset. The chorus provides the song’s most powerful hook, converting the “House of 70’s” into nearly a character in its own right, a dangerous place where pleasure and self-destruction exist. The lyrics, classic rock arrangement, Soul-rich backing vocals, and careful production make the tune feel like a cinematic snapshot of a city in chaos.
photo by Derick Smith
https://chrisconnelly.bandcamp.com
