Third volume of power-pop anguish stretches a bit musically
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 08/16/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Priggen's third solo LP continues his catalog of anguished, melancholy power-pop gems. He sings with a voice that's got the sweet sadness of Matthew Sweet, chiming guitars ala Big Star, and wry twists of Cheap Trick, The Cars and others. Trick's Bun E. Carlos even pounds the skins on two of the album's tracks. Those who enjoy the Sweet's "Girlfriend" will find much to enjoy in Priggen's catalog.
The addition of strings on a few tracks is a nice experiment - hanging the productions halfway between the AM pop sides of the early-70s and the guitar-rock of mid-90s college radio. The result supplements the feeling of desperation on songs like "I'm So Glad You Broke My Heart," and provides accompaniment to the giant chiming guitars of the Everly-esque "Disappointing Everyone." Priggen is expert at drawing insecure protagonists who fall apart in the face of their objects of disaffection, and sawing cellos (whether real or synthesized) add an extra dollop of gravity.
Even more interesting are the atmospheric experiments with optigan and mellotron that add a subtly shifting and pulsating backing to tunes like "Til It All Falls Apart." Similarly, the swirling flute sounds and stabs of processed vocals mixed into the electric 12-string guitar pop of "R.I.P. Green Eyes" add a trippy edge in the manner of the Beatles psychedelic-era material. Priggen turns Brian Wilson with "Little Star," combining mellotron, a plucky Carole Kaye styled bass line, and dramatic drum fills.
In the end though, the album's killer track is one of its most straightforward power-pop odes, "The Only Girl (in the World)." This magnificent country-pop profile of the stuck-up girl that you hate, envy and desire is perfectly accompanied by Jon Graboff's twangy guitar playing and airy puffs of Hammond B3. As per Priggen's usual methods, the closing track harbors a few bonuses, including an oft bootlegged tape of Buddy Rich cussing out his band, and two extra songs that didn't quite "fit" on the album. Priggen's put together yet another fine volume of pop song that shouldn't fly below your personal radar! [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]"