Music veteran Rick Altizer having previously produced an impressive array of power pop albums, has made this new concept album that shares a bleak mood with Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” Opening with a heartbeat, “Hello World” sets the stage for the birth of a selfish soul named Sam. The impeccable guitar melody of the mid-tempo “Don’t Let Me Cry” leads to the bleak heaviness of “Feed Me” where Sam craves attention, “I hold you responsible for all the crap in my life,” he snarls before the chorus. “I Want My Whatever” is yet another wonderful anthem of overindulgence that compares well with Joe Walsh’s “Life’s Been Good.” Another standout is the bouncy guitar of “Star” where the lyrics and melody strut it’s protagonists conceit with abandon. The albums second half shows our anti-hero wants “More” but his insatiable appetite breeds discontent in the heaviest tune here, “Is That It?” Ending with the slow building epic “Take Care of Me” it spirals toward the end of the life cycle in “Assisted” and finally another reprise “Goodbye World.” My biggest knock here is that the album’s second half leans too much on reprising earlier themes (4 reprises). Is “Sam” a rock star in the mold of Roger Water’s “Pink” or just a political analogy for spoiled Americans who crave the nanny-state? Either way its pretty heavy handed here, but the music is typical Altizer, full of hooks, and hypnotic themes. Overall, a welcome change of pace from your typical melodic rock. And it’s a music bargain, only $6 directly from Rick’s site.

My Space | www.rickaltizer.com | CD Baby (past albums)

Ontario based Elvyn was formed by Joel and Ryan Beerman in 1998 and it has spend a few years under the radar, but with “The Decline” it’s a strong release that will break the band through to the next level. Joined by Jason O’Reilly (bass) and Jeremy Knibbs (guitar) the band plays as a tight unit, all on the same wavelength. Starting with the stellar “Those Were The Days” it’s got a jangle similar to Teenage Fanclub and those rootsy folk harmonies like The Jayhawks. “Lotta Lies” continues the soft sounds of relaxed melody and Rickenbacker guitars. Fans of the alternative country pop sound (The Byrds, The Pernice Brothers, Wilco) will embrace this album wholeheartedly, as every song is perfection here. “I Guess I Was Wrong” has more of a softer Burrito Brothers vibe and “Don’t Fall In Love” mines the classic sounds of J.D. Souther or early 70’s Eagles. This vibe follows through on the title track as well. The consistent quality of the musicianship and songwriting is what puts this band over the top. It’s not to be missed.

My Space | CD Baby | Amazon

Listen to “Lotta Love”