Singer/songwriter/Power pop
We were first introduced to Scott Gagner as function of Town and Country, then through his solo effort under the name Cartographer. Both EPs made quite an impression back in 2008 (read reviews here and here). Now Gagner is second with his debut full-length record, "Rhapsody In Blonde", and no longer hiding behind the name Cartographer.
"Rhapsody In Blonde" begins with one of the most instantly likeable guitar riffs you`re destined to learn all year - a merry little riff that reminds me of a beach party for some reason. Hand claps and harmonies decorate this power pop confection called "I Hate To Say" but, to be to fair, this sunny treat is not representative of the remainder of the album. Most of the other tunes are considerably mellower, but that is not to say that they are boring by any means. "Speak and Write" is a delicious mid-tempo treat with a clever melodic line from the Todd Rundgren songbook. "Laura No. 1" combines classic doo-wop chord progressions with modern power pop sounds - a unique ear worm. With the rugged "Take Two", he channels Jason Falkner during his Grays days.
"Houdini" is another favourite of mine, showcasing Gagner`s remarkable gift for phrasing - people who can sing, "How can you realistically expect to win - it simply took one punch to do Houdini in" with such finesse don`t get on every day. Folks who wish to see the coffeehouse side of Gagner will love the soft finger-picking on "Right Before My Eyes" and his downshifted version of the Guns N` Roses hit "Sweet Child O` Mine".
With exclusion of "Golden Mean", a murky six minutes to wade through, there really isn`t a bad tune in the bunch, and if it didn`t grab you on the first spin, chances are it will on the second. Gagner stands a cut above the rest thanks to an abundance of clever songwriting, with an aid to point that should be the envy of any inspiring musician.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14
Scott Gagner - Official site. Facebook.
Check out the television for "I Hate To Say"
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