Mas Rapido!: Pity Party

Mas Rapido!
Pity Party
Parasol
2007-02-06

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 9 / 10