Customer Reviews

You Can Hold Me Down

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Most people that know William Tell know him as the former rhythm guitarist of the SoCal alt-rock piano group Something Corporate. Everyone else knows him as simply, William Tell. Starting from after his split with the band in 2004, William has been writing his own music and performing shows all across the US, forming himself one hell of a fan base. Admirers old and young, from all parts of the world, who checked into his myspace daily for news of when he would next be performing and what the status on his record was. Well, here we are, two years later, and that barefoot, Canada-track-jacket wearing SoCal rhythm guitarist has finally released his solo effort: You Can Hold Me Down.

If it's catchy hooks and amazing storytelling lyrics of love and life you're looking for, William will not disappoint you. William's song writing skills will amaze you from the start and they will not stop until the record is complete; there's no doubt. It's hard to pinpoint what it is about the style of Will's writing but there's something in it that makes you really feel what he's singing to you. You feel the heartache, the happiness, the loneliness, and everything else that he sings of even if he's not right in front of you. The choruses are all extremely catchy; such as the chorus to "Slipping Under": `Just sing along to you're favorite song, takes you back to where you come from, time and place you can't erase when innocence was you're only shame.' And every track has that same air to it... the same catchy-ness to it... the same amazing pull within the lyrics.

If it's good music you're looking for, William won't disappoint you either. You Can Hold Me Down contains everything from a hard rock edge (found in tracks like "Jeannie" and "Slipping Under") or the piano-rock style of his former band, SoCo, which you can feel in tracks like "Fairfax" and the title track, "You Can Hold Me Down." The transition between tracks is perfect... there isn't a single spot within the record where you get into a "groove" of all hard-rock songs or all piano songs, they're mixed perfectly so that you'll never get tired of it. The guitar work in the album, whether it be with the use of the acoustic guitar (such as in "Trouble" or "Maybe Tonight") or with the electric guitar... is simply amazing. And even though some would expect the use of "dual guitars" (2 or more) to overpower a song... it doesn't here. They mix perfectly throughout the record, keeping each other separate but still together and still perfect.

Of course, there's no way one could mention Will's debut album without making mention of the help he got on it. Brian Ireland, drummer for Something Corporate, provided all of the hard hitting drum work on the album (he also helped produce many of the tracks) and Andrew McMahon, front man/pianist to Something Corporate, came in and provided the piano work for "Fairfax." The drum work by Brian is nothing less than his usual amazing work (if you know SoCo, you get what you'd expect from Brian there). And the piano work, both in "Fairfax" from Andrew and in the rest of the record from Will is not bad either.

Overall, Will's record has all of the contents an album needs in order to be a hit. It has the catchy lyrics, it has the wonderful hard-hitting music intermixed with some softer melodies, and it has the voice of William Tell.

Will was origianlly known as the barefooted guitar player in the SoCal piano rock band Something Corporate before leaving to pursue his solo career. Well, here it is. "You Can Hold Me Down" is a very impressive debut album indeed. William showcases his talent as a musician and very gifted singer and song writer. There are some incredibly catchy songs here including "Slipping Under" and "Fairfax", in which good friend, former band member and lead singer of Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, Andrew McMahon, plays piano on. His slow songs, such as "Trouble" and the title track, also deliver and will leave you in a good mood throughout the day. This album is a real treat and hopefully is a sign of good music to come in 2007, but more importantly, emerges William Tell as a very talented and upcoming artist with something to prove to the world.

I first heard William Tell at a concert in Allentown, from that night I knew I would love him. I found him on myspace and found out I could order his cd and get an autographed album art picture. I was so happy. I finally got the autograph. His voice is amazing. His lyrics are beautiful. My favorite song is "Like You, Only Sweeter" and "Young At Heart". I just don't know how to explain him, but I listen to his cd non-stop. I love him so so so much.

This modern William Tell cut his alt-rock teeth as rhythm guitarist for the Orange County bred Something Corporate. Just as the band was beginning to gain national traction, Tell bolted to pursue a solo career. Three years of writing and touring later, he's released a debut that leaves behind the punk and emo influences of his former band, and dives headlong into the world of power pop. Chime has replaced buzz, and angst has replaced moping and his melodic hooks are more anthemic than his former band's.

Producer Thom Panunzio (who also mixed) has added the layers of major label polish that he perfected on albums by Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Tom Petty and others. The result is often more calculated than buffed, more form than substance, and though it hits all the right notes it failing to resonate emotionally. This album sounds good, but neither Tell's voice nor his lyrics draw you back to live these songs a second time. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]

The Good
Despite its electric riff intro, "Jeannie" is a full on acoustic ditty about a girl down on her luck. Music has always been an emotional escape for people, whether you're happy, sad, depressed, or angry. "Slipping Under (Sing Along to Your Favorite Son)" explores this notion. Acoustic guitars and piano set the track for "Fairfax." "Like You, Only Sweeter" is the happiest sounding put-down ever. William bumps into a woman that is so much more than his current one. By far it's the best song on the album. Doubled-up guitar strumming and random guitar licks work in harmony on "Maybe Tonight." William pledges his devotion to his lady love on "Just for You."

The Bad
Tell tends to come off a bit whiney, in the vein of those crappy emo singers. Also, there are way too many ballads. If some one bombarded me with all of these feelings and whined about it, I'd kick them to the curb.

The Verdict
William Tell has a knack for emotional songwriting, but his music is somewhat boring and generic.

This cd is amazing I am loving it...It has not left my cd player yet :)

The history books say that William Tell was a Swiss national hero in the 15th century of debatable historical authenticity. What's much less debatable is that the Southern Cal pop artist with the identical moniker is unlikely to create nearly the same legend.



William Tell's new album "You Can Hold Me Down" was released on March 13th, by New Door Records. It is Tell's first solo effort after his work with the band Something Corporate. A generic pop album, Tell majors in catchy hooks and sing-along type tunes, intertwined with forgettable lyrics. There's nothing particularly second-rate about the album, just not much that's memorable. Highlights include the driving "Slipping Down," as Tell's energy provides a nice contrast from his sappier piano ballads. After a couple spin's Tell's bouncy choruses and feigned anxiety grow distinctly monotonous.



Not to say it's so bad you might want to fire an arrow at his head. But here's guessing you'll turn the stereo down.

`You Can Hold Me Down' offers a distinct, refreshing sound. Tell's infectious pop-rock melodies and confessional lyrics are captivating. Take note of this debut album from William Tell--"turn it up and sing along to your favorite song".

It's finally here! I've been following William since his days in Something Corporate and I can't wait to finally get this in my hands. The songs I've heard are amazing and emotional and he's such a talented songwriter. Anyone who loves Something Corporate and music like that will LOVE this CD.

I bought this cd today and I love it. He has a great voice and amazing sound. I highly recommend this!