Search - Orange Cake Mix :: Lovecloud & Secret Tapes

Heartfult, brilliant music

Phil Kretschman | Philly | 12/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply amazing. Jim Rao is this middle-aged guy from Connecticut that spends his spare moments writing these heart-on-sleeve pop songs in his bedroom with the utmost minimum equipment-- a few otherwise discardable Casios, guitars, and his earnest voice. Rather than succumbing to cheeseball phony-emotion or posturing, Jim's songs have this sense of immediacy you only get from an artist who writes because he feels that itch inside, that need to express himself, even if no one else hears it. Heavily rooted in some of the better Paul McCartney tunes of the 70s (featuring a cover of "Silly Love Songs" for your added enjoyment), and scores of other influences from the entire catalogue of tender pop music. Everything is highly original, with an eye on the future as well, rather than falling victim to lonely-guy-with-acoustic-guitar syndrome. You can choose to focus on the stunning lyrical wit or on his brooding background atmospherics, it's up to you. Highly recommended."