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The whole "singer-songwriter" thing is a tricky proposition for me, and most artists who fall into this category have their work cut out to win me over. Ian McGlynn manages this feat by creating very lush-sounding, keyboard-based pop songs. His closest contemporaries might be fellow keyboard-based acts like Keane and Aqualung, but what sets McGlynn apart is the strong 60s/70s influence that pervades the songs, which can recall Lennon/McCartney, Elton John, or, in the case of the track "No Time", early Chicago with Beach Boys harmonies. This retro bent is balanced by the production, which is very contemporary-sounding, thanks to producer Shane Tutmarc of local popsters Dolour. And tying it all together are McGlynn's earnest, weightless vocals and sad lyrics. Despite a misstep or two (the grating track "Carnivalism", for instance), this album gets on my good side. (mike.02.05)
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