I found a few good songs on Minnesota native Jeremy Messersmith’s Alcatraz Kid. The Elliot Smith comparisons are still apt here, but the musical growth and songwriting development has really exploded with “The Silver City.” And Jeremy partnered with Dan Wilson (Semisonic) to paint a vivid picture of heavenly Suburbia. The opening track “Welcome to Suburbia” is a celestial pop triumph, with shimmering melodic chorus and George Harrison-like guitar accents that compliments Jeremy’s soft vocal. Much like the futuristic travellers on the cover the listeners will be treated to “Dead-End Job,” a great ballad with a lovely horns and more descriptive narrative. The next track “Franklin Avenue” is the shinning gem on this album, rich with instrumentation about a passerby “Waiting for that sinking feeling.” The production on the album is sparse, but dynamic with “The Commuter” resembling a the REM track “Man on The Moon” in feel and tone. And a bit of good electronica pop sneaks in with “Miracles” after this. The album sags a bit in the middle, but comes back strong on a version of Paul Westerberg’s “Skyway” and a very bouncy pop tune “Virginia” that demands repeat listens and I dare you not to tap your toe to the beat here. The closing track “Light Rail” continues the ride, with a McCartney styled ditty that’s a worthy followup to “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La -Da.” The album is like a great cup of coffee; rich, dark and sweet – but ultimately very soothing. Mmm… drink this one up.
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Listen to “Miracles”