Michael Lynch, “Mr. Monster / Going the Wrong Way” (2014): One Track Mind

Just in time for Halloween comes this new single from the one and only Michael Lynch, who is no stranger to injecting dribs and drabs of humor into his artfully-crafted pop rock songs.

An intentional novelty, “Mr. Monster” (Nanker Records) communicates the age-old sorrow of a fellow smitten with a lady who is already taken. Our heartsick narrator asks the terrifying-looking Mr. Monster to do him a favor and frighten the object of his affection’s love. The scared boyfriend will then run away, allowing the pining prince-in-waiting to scoop up his girl and live happily ever after.

I won’t reveal how the saga ends, but I will say what a great little tune “Mr. Monster” is, with its fierce hook lines and jiggly, jagged bubblegum beat.

The flipside of the single, “Going The Wrong Way” sounds like a classic 1960s freakout instrumental played backwards. Shrieking with dizzying rhythms, squiggly patterns, and distortion by the pound, the track is a sheer psychedelic delight. Both a trick and a treat, “Mr. Monster / Going The Wrong Way” is the perfect balance of goofiness and genius!

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Beverly Paterson

Beverly Paterson was born the day Ben E. King hit No. 4 with "Stand By Me" -- which is actually one of her favorite songs, especially John Lennon's version. She's contributed to Lance Monthly and Amplifier, and served as Rock Beat International's associate editor. Paterson has also published Inside Out, and Twist & Shake. Contact Something Else! at [email protected].

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