Why, you may ask, if I spent so much time last week writing, would I devote so much space in this review to giving you the back story. Well, it's because you need to know just how completely unprepared I was to be blown away by this album.
I tend to get frustrated with power pop, because most acts, even the ones I adore, suffer for one reason or another. Some lack the vocal chops to pull off their melodies; others try too hard to be clever that they lose sight of the importance of the hook. And then there are those who are so busy trying to be Brian Wilson that they forget that pop should be fun.
But Everybody Else has the complete package. It's been a long time since I heard a debut album from a power pop band that exudes this much confidence and command of their craft. Lead singer and songwriter Carrick Moore Gerety has a voice similar to the late Jim Ellison of Material Issue, and bassist Mikey McCormack and drummer Austin Williams each display an impressive set of chops.
There's not a bad song to be found on here, and several of them, like "Meat Market" and "In Memoriam" are excellent. Every chorus and bridge offers a new texture or rhythm, and they're equally at home, with the Motown grooves of "Makeup" as they are with the Cheap Trick/Cars crunch of "Rich Girls, Poor Girls" and "Without You." And it's all done with more "oohs" and "aahs" than a girl showing off her engagement ring to her friends.
Produced by Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), Everybody Else is the type of album that pop fans dream about, chock full of great songs where the hooks, even when you know they're coming, never fail to put a smile on your face.
Article comments
1 - Alessa
"...even when you know they're coming, never fail to put a smile on your face."
I completely agree. Everybody Else is amazing.
2 - Jen
Not only are Carrick, Austin, and Mikey great musicians, but they're great people as well. They are so down to earth and truly love what they do which allows them to love the people they come in contact with as well. I admire them all so much and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be introduced to such wonderful people.
3 - margo
I love the album! Saw them at the Roxy for the first time, bought their album and its in the car playing nonstop! I love the stories each song tells cuz i can relate to all of them and its music for whem i"m happy, sad or just want to dance...amazing!
4 - Wendy L
I love this band so much!!!! Their music if freakin awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could just take their music and stick it in my pocket much like you'd want to squeeze a cute little puppy and stick it in your pocket...lol. They are amazing to listen to, not only does their album sound amazing but they are fabulous to listen to live. I've seen them perform three times already and I wouldn't mind going to a hundred more of their shows. These guys are going to be HUGE!!!!!