Jeff Litman “Outside”

Jeff Litman gave us a terrific debut in 2009 with Postscript. This new sophomore LP is more than just a showcase for Jeff’s musical skills, Outside shows us a burgeoning maturity. The Tom Pettyesque opener “Over and Over” has steady piano chorus and cynical attitude, followed by the fast tempo single “Runaway,” which gives us a great hook and bouncing bass line. Giving power pop fans a tasty treat in the title track, “Outside” has Jeff channeling Elvis Costello, and includes Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. doing backing vocals and keyboards.

This album also boasts some tender moments on the duet with Maddy Wyatt in “What Hasn’t Happened Yet,” it brings to mind Mike Viola’s recent work. Just about every song here is impressive and varies in tempo and style, from the rocking “Chasing My Tail” to the alt. country strums of “til Someone Got Hurt.” There are echoes of Postscript’s pain in “Back To You” and “Time Heals Nothing,” and although these tracks aren’t as immediate as the debut, they still resonate and should easily find a place on your playlist.