The pop mind of Gilbert Garcia is fertile. The band name roughly translated means “My fault” – and it isn’t a mistake that his band, the Memphis based Mea Culpa has a great pop sensibility that resembles Ben Folds, Elvis Costello and Big Star all at once. Recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios, “Madison” should lift the band to new highs and make the leap to stardom. Helped by bassist Adam Hill, this is a short album (8 songs) but it’s a quality collection. Opening with the “Coming Back To Me” it resembles a the band You Am I, even Gilbert’s vocal approach is like Tim Rogers.The song is full of sweet hooks and it continues on the smartly written “Resume” lead by a strong piano melody. However the album’s high point is the guitar rock goodness of “You’re Not The One” – it’s got hit single written all over it. Then the album settles into a bit more of a laid back position with the Teenage Fanclub-like “What You Want” and the very Ben Folds-like “Your Best Appendage.” After that unfortunately the remaining songs can’t compete with the earlier ones in terms of memorability. But the flashes of brilliance are definitely worth your ears and a purchase.
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Listen to “You’re Not The One”