Edward O’Connell "Our Little Secret"

Washington D.C. musician Edward O’Connell has produced a polished gem of a debut on “Our Little Secret.” O’Connell is very much a power popper in the  Richard X. Heyman mold. His sound builds on influences from Nick Lowe, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello. Starting with “Ace Of Diamonds,” it’s got that vibrant strum to warm the soul and a Wilbury-like hook in the chorus, it’s a real winner of a single. “I Heard It Go” is a wry observational song that follows with similar rhythm and creative guitar lead during the break.

The rooty jangle opens on completely awesome “Partially Awesome” and “Happy Black” is a slow shuffle with Edward’s vocals at it’s most Costello-esque. The charging “With This Ring” is layered with great guitar solos and a driving beat that brings to mind Dave Edmunds. “Pretty Wasted” is a great example of brilliant songwriting and Jill Read’s backing vocals in the chorus just emphasize the love story. The tempo slows down and the subject matter gets a bit heavier on the album’s second half, as “I Need All The Friends That I Can Get” is an ambitious ballad and the slow country flavored “We Will Bury You” is a moving observation at a funeral. The quality and craftsmanship of this album is impeccable and with no filler to be found. It makes the top ten list for sure so don’t miss it!

Edward O’Connell’s site | CD Baby | Amazon