2008-01-31
Matt Costa's "Unfamiliar Faces" runs the gamut of the usual singer/songwriter record. With backing band in tow, Mr. Costa does the usual straightforward "Acoustic Melody Pop" made popular by television shows like The O.C. and Grey's Anatomy. Sounding vocally like the male version of Erin McKeown, Matt glides over the "once again overlooked" talented backing band. I don't understand why there are so many records popping up named after the front man, while the more talented backing band is left to be identified only in the liner notes. With all twelve tracks sounding equally bland, it's hard to find a standout track here. If I were forced to choose, the opening track "Mr. Pitiful" would be my pick. With its herky-jerky piano beat, "Mr. Pitiful" provides just enough entertainment to keep the toes tapping. With another boring, yet well produced record added to the mountain of "popular" music, maybe "Mr. Pitiful" should not only be the opening track, but the title track as well.--Tim WarrenThe Flowbs
Grazing Like The Elephants
Chris Robinson & the New Earth Mud
This Magnificent Distance
MATTHEW RYAN VS. THE SILVER STATE
Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State
KEANE
Perfect Symmetry
ADRIAN YOUNGE PRESENTS: SOULS OF MISCHIEF
There Is Only Now
BEN HARPER
GIVE TILL IT'S GONE
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.