Smash Palace "Everybody Comes and Goes"

Steven Butler and the rest of Smash Palace of New Jersey, have done a smashing job here. Inspired by the Beatles, Kinks and Tom Petty this album is pretty catchy and near perfect. It’s full of great musical composition, appealing vocals and crunchy Brit influenced guitars that are ever present throughout the album. The traditional computer-free approach suits them fine and this is the purest power pop disc I’ve heard all year. The melodic hooks will stick to your brain faster than peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth. “She” begins with the classic Monkees jangle intro and builds to an awesome chorus.”Didn’t Anyone Tell, You” has a bit of Split Enz meets The Grip Weeds. The great guitar work continues with “Dressed in Black” and “Is this a Dream?” is a dreamy mid-tempo love poem. “Just Like You” will drive the Tom Petty fans into a “Full Moon Fever” and “Hoping” follows that template with a Ray Davies’ like vocal narrative. “Caroline” strays into a somber blues study that could fit on an Allman Brothers record. A smooth cover of George Harrison’s “I Want To Tell You” rounds out this fantastic release. This makes my top ten 2008 early, I guess Wisely isn’t alone this month!

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