Hey Now, Morris Fader is the combined talents of a Boston duo, Alex Sacco and Brooks Milgate. Much has already been written about comparisons to classic Ben Folds, and the pounding piano and drums that dominate the sound will reinforce that perception. But rather than be derivative, Sacco and Milgate draw from other influences that makes the sound their own. Opening with “Vanishing” brings to mind the piano melodies of Michael Brown (Left Banke, The Stories). Then the wonderful “Airport Song” is vintage “Yellow Brick Road”-era Elton John with a modern nod to Frank Ciampi as well. The cascading piano chords of “Etc., Etc.” and “Running In Place” recall those early Billy Joel finger acrobatics. The best combining of all these influences is the single “Down In Front” and it stands out as a more modern pop approach. The most Folds-like song is “Hypochondriac” with the constant crash of cymbal and even the lyrics self conscious, angst ridden delivery will fool those not paying attention. Another standout ballad with Pet Sounds aspirations is “Talking To Myself” and the highlight for me is the unexpected time signature changes and a yet another great Milgate piano solo. If you enjoy any type of piano pop, this is a must. Every song here is very good and most have those dynamic, upbeat sing-along choruses and smooth harmonies. Get it while it’s hot.

My Space | CD Baby | Lala | eMusic

Justin Kline has that sweet pop vocal that sounds a bit like Cliff Hillis or Marc Bacino with some very strong melodies, and well structured songwriting that recalls modern pop of The Honeydogs with the musical sensibilities of ELO and Jellyfish. The opening track “All I Need” is pure power pop ear candy. Then “Heart Attack” continues with a sharp chorus and those pointed guitar riffs. “How I Became the Wind” shares a sunny disposition with Tim Myers and the good life.  Using sleigh bells, organ, echoing guitar and “whoa, whoa” backing vocals that are so full of sugar, I got cavities just listening to it. “Kaleidoscope” is a little fuzzier, but no less wonderful, creating swirling aural imagery worthy of Roger Manning Jr. Then it takes a little alt. country ballad step forward, with “Singing In The Air.” The song features the twang of steel pedal and a galloping rhythm as it moseys along, to the twee finale in “Sunshine” which like the title implies, is a strumming affirmation of optimism. The songs lyrics here get a bit too preachy for me, and some will liken it to a Christian pop version of a Bright Eyes  ballad, but overall this EP is perfect pick-me-up for those rainy days. I can’t wait for a full length album here, as Justin Kline is without a doubt, a talented musician ready to spread his wings. Just to start you off, Justin asked me to make the single “Heart Attack” available as a FREE download. Enjoy.

My Space | Itunes | Virb | La La

DOWNLOAD THE TRACK “HEART ATTACK” HERE

Earlier this year Adam Marsland’s “Daylight Kissing Night” aka “Adam Marsland’s Greatest Hits” came out for mere pennies ($6), and I pre-ordered it. This review is long overdue, and for the record, you cannot call yourself a power pop fan if you don’t own this CD. Marslands songs are both smart and literate, as well as insightful and raw along the lines of Ben Folds or Joe Jackson. However, the musical influences are much more than that. Adam channels a number of diverse rock/pop elements into his songs; Brian Wilson, Elton John, Pete Townshend, Matthew Sweet and even Green Day. Most of his best work is autobiographical, and chronicles the life of a kid who wants to be a successful rock musician (“My Kickass Life”) and all the pain and pleasure along the way. A lot of his lyrics also point to being a music geek in every way, like on “Other Than Me” where he’s “glad he never dated Aimee Mann.” Much piss and vinegar goes into his experiences with this band Cockeyed Ghost and his roller coaster ride with the “music industry” that gives us great tracks like, “Big, Big Yeah,” “Burning Me Out (of the Record Store),” “I Can’t Do This Anymore” and my personal favorite “The Fates Cry Foul.” Marsland really revels in the “glorious futility of playing in a band” and the listener will too. This compilation has something for everyone and a lot of his revelations resonate with me personally. I can easily declare this the best “Greatest Hits” package of songs this year and you can get it almost anywhere.

My Space | Adam’s Site