Joe Sullivan “Growing Up Schlockstar”
Joe Sullivan returns with a highly anticipated sequel to his 2014 gem Schlock Star. Sullivan has the playful style and guitar buzz all around the opener “Mr. Positivity” that reminded me of an “American version” of Paul Steel. It’s a highly addictive melody that follows a theme of looking back at Joe’s youth through a power pop lens. “Gifted And Talented” boasts an assist from the awesome Brandon Schott, and its got a pop structure is similar to Jellyfish with its harpsichord, minor guitar chords, and heavenly harmonies. “Secret Weapon” is an ode to the untouchable girl from your class, but better is “Greenfield Acres” a layered guitar gem describing Joe’s hometown with a light Beatlesque touch.
It’s more focused than Schlock Star with less direct homages, but the corniness is turned up as well. The earnest innocence of “Cheerleader” and “The End” are so well played and executed it avoids lyrical parody. He cranks up the riffs on the Raspberries-like “Birthday” and it’s the highlight of the album. A great song that pulls out all the stops, and it’s guaranteed to have you playing air guitar. Overall, it checks all the right power pop boxes and almost every song here hits the mark. Oh, and it’s also got Andy Reed and Donny Brown. This album seems custom designed to make my top ten for 2019 “best album” list. Highly Recommended (of course).
Eytan Mirsky “If Not Now… Later”
The lonely troubadour Eytan Mirsky is back with a well written and solid melodic album. “Would It Kill You?” is a catchy opener that basically asks a woman who’s rejected him to “be nice to me,” which seems a tough sell. Unlike Funny Money, the album is a lot more pessimistic in its point of view and the music has more of a rootsy country vibe. Mexican standoff seems the subject of “Lay Down Your Weapons,” led by its slow steel pedal melody. And the fatalistic attitude is also expressed in “When the Ship is Sinking,” asking directly “Are you gonna float or are you gonna drown?” This theme is carried through the entire album.
It doesn’t let up, until the bouncy “Lingerie Pillow Fight,” which is the album highlight for me. It’s a great song with Eytan’s humorous attitude and catchy guitar riffs that would make Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) jealous. I also recommend “Last Home Game of the Season” a sad sack theme that’s perfect for your losing baseball team’s video montage. If you’re a member of the Mirsky Mouse Club definitely pick this album up. It’s music that deserves to be heard.
