Growing up in the ’70s as a radio and vinyl addict, Ken Sharp astutely absorbed the many sounds and styles driving the diversified decade.
Although the Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s work typically focuses on the pop side of the dial, Beauty In the Backseat juggled a variety of genres, and does so with phenomenal results.
Sprinkled with gospel-inflected harmonies and a piping-hot guitar solo from Kiss six-stringer Ace Frehley, “Rock Show” could easily be deemed the long-lost offspring of the Paul McCartney and Wings song of the same name. Homages to a couple of Davids also count as solid picks to click heard on the collection. Solemn and haunting, “The Day That David Bowie Died” gradually climaxes into curtains of orchestral progressive rock grandeur, and “I Wanna Be David Cassidy” is set to a bouncy bubblegum tenor.
John Oates of Hall and Oates contributes background vocals to the sleek and smooth “Philly Soul Kind of Night,” while Ken Sharp’s affinity for soul music is further evident on the ultra-catchy “Ring On Your Finger,” which is adorned with handclaps and tasty tambourine flourishes.
A fast tempo, surrounded by star-spangled riffs and an irresistible chorus pilots the power popping “The Hardest Part,” and a winning blend of jumpy rhythms and needling hooks propel “Pull The Strings,” a quirky narrative involving a ventriloquist joined at the hip with his dummy.
A thrilling listen from top to bottom, Ken Sharp’s fifth and latest album highlights his talents in every way. His pitch perfect vocals – which reflect a cross between Todd Rundgren and the Rubinoos – combined with exciting arrangements, juicy melodies and innovative twists and turns, equal a sonically stunning presentation.
Serving to be in full command of his gifts, Ken Sharp certainly put a lot of thought into this great album. Classy, yet fun, Beauty In the Backseat (616406 Records DK) is a record that will surely warrant endless spins.
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