For more than two decades, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Phil Angotti has been making people smile, hum and dance to his melodic marvels. Having played in acts such as the Beatle Brothers, Not The Beatles, and his own band, the Idea, the Chicago based artist has also released a brace of uniformly fine solo albums.
Phil’s latest disc, Life And Rhymes (Our House Records) isn’t at all different from his previous endeavors, meaning we’re once again courted by his blushing brand of retooled classic pop rock. Solid and reliable, the album continually highlights his numerous assets.
Thoughtfully composed tunes, assembled of lyrics running the floor from witty to sentimental to fun, carry a unique fingerprint. Phil’s vocals, which are bright and breezy, are in tip-top shape, while the hooks and structures are tight and catchy.
Echoes of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles are encountered on the honey-soaked soul of “Unusual Me,” a groovy psychedelic mod slant seasons “I Might Come Back” and “I See Spaceships” rattles and clatters to a heated acid garage rock temper.
Tracks like “Difficult World,” “My Life In Rhymes” and “Hopeful Kids” effectively demonstrate Phil’s flair for piecing together perfect pop components. Balance and movement create serendipity note for note.
Corn-fed country influences rock the toe-tapping “Daddy’s Country Records” as well as the equally invigorating “Nancy,” where the gentle lure of “Too Late Tomorrow,“ with its twinkling piano passages and royal string arrangements, bring to mind the emotional expressions of Emitt Rhodes and Big Star.
Basic and honest, Life And Rhymes features a diversified dish of moods and colors, but when the day is over and the curtains are drawn, old school pop rock, tinted with a contemporary poise, accent Phil’s neatly-chiseled material. Here’s a multiple star review!
[amazon_enhanced asin=”B00BZW5VZ6″ container=”” container_class=”” price=”All” background_color=”FFFFFF” link_color=”000000″ text_color=”0000FF” /]
- How ‘Hollies Sing Hollies’ Showed New Promise After Graham Nash’s Exit - November 14, 2024
- Barry Melton on Country Joe and the Fish, Woodstock – and That Chant - August 15, 2024
- Bachman-Turner Overdrive Set a New Standard With ‘Not Fragile’ - August 7, 2024
