Dan Markell, “Carnival Game” (2021): One Track Mind

Share this:

Through albums like Big Ideas and Eleven Shades of Dan Markell – as well as recent singles such as “Zoom In,” “Comin’ Up On Christmas” and “Give Me the Word” – Dan Markell has claimed the hearts of all good pop aficionados.

The Southern California-based singer, songwriter and multiple-instrumentalist’s latest Fermada Nowhere Music single “Carnival Game” not only magnifies his mojo for assembling high-caliber tuneage, but exposes his amazing artistic skills. The disc is packaged in a hand-drawn sleeve, sketched of brightly-colored characters and objects associated with carnivals.



Reflective of its title and cover jacket, “Carnival Game” features a fun and frisky vibe. Bubbly organ notes and jangling guitars abound, while Markell’s smooth and shiny vocals brim with clarity and conviction. Set to a spirited arrangement, “Carnival Game” rolls and rotates to an invigorating display of fat and juicy melodies, supported by glimmers of heavenly harmonies of the Beach Boys variety.

As expected, the song fulfills every promise of a Dan Markell recording. Here’s a guy who has the talent for adopting elements of 1960s and ’70s AM radio-oriented pop rock and turning them into his own catchy compositions. Released at just the right time, “Carnival Game” is the perfect addition to your summer soundtrack.


Beverly Paterson