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Mas Rapido!

Pity Party

(Parasol; US: 6 Feb 2007; UK: Available as import)

Two mainstays of the Parasol label are back at it. And Mr. Frank Bednash and Miss Donna Esposito are the culprits. So blame them for this rowdy, rootsy rock album that is from two artists who can churn out a decent pop ditty on cue. Take “Emily Lloyd” for example, with its sweet, McCartney-ish flavor sprinkled throughout. From there, Miss Esposito takes the lead for the sugar-coated title track, resembling something from the Blake Babies with its dreamy, lullaby quality oozing out of every note. And she hits this lovable rut again for “Believe It” that is pure gold. Just as solid is “Feel So Young” with its raunchy, Duane Eddy-tinged guitar riff. Formerly known as Toothpaste 2000, and Cowboy and Spingirl, the duo (with help from drummer Tom Costagiola) paints pretty sonic pictures during “Headcase” and the infectious, power pop ideal of “Girl du Jour”. Perhaps the worst thing about the album is there are no standouts because, well, hell, they all stand out. One particular gem though is “Your Last Victory” which moves from a gallop to a classic power pop chorus. A delight to play over and over and over and, well, you know how this sentence never ends…

Rating:

Originally from Cape Breton, MacNeil is currently writing for the Toronto Sun as well as other publications, including All Music Guide, Billboard.com, NME.com, Country Standard Time, Skope Magazine, Chart Magazine, Glide, Ft. Myers Magazine and Celtic Heritage. A graduate of the University of King's College, MacNeil currently resides in Toronto. He has interviewed hundreds of acts ranging from Metallica and AC/DC to Daniel Lanois and Smokey Robinson. MacNeil (modestly referred to as King J to friends), a diehard Philadelphia Flyers fan, has seen the Rolling Stones in a club setting, thereby knowing he will rest in peace at some point down the road. Oh, and he writes for PopMatters.com.


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