Eddie Cohn: If Im Happy It Ends

Eddie Cohn has been compared to Pearl Jam and Radiohead, but a fairer comparison might be a cross between an inventive or experimental Goo Goo Dolls and John Ralston. The opener “Away From Here” has a roots-folk vibe to it but still manages to rock out at times with a dark, seedy little hook. Meanwhile, he has an ear for dishing out catchy mid-tempo pop rock nuggets such as “Hair of Gold” that chugs along with a Vedder-ish tinge to his delivery as does the softer, deliberate and almost ballad-like number “All the Way with You”. But the ensuing “The Other Woman” drags on and seems to sag early on, something uncle Marc Cohn wouldn’t be proud of. Thankfully Cohn gets some life back into the record with the up-tempo, edgy “Passed Out at the Door” that shows promise and lives up to its potential. Perhaps the highlight of the 11 offerings is “Breakaway” that instantly brings to mind Ryan Adams with the Cardinals on a sugar high. Another hidden jewel is the singer-songwriter approach he takes with “Blindly” that sounds like a polished David Gray or Paul Westerberg with a fleshed out fade out.