“My Side of the Merri” was originally written in 1990 by Marty Penrose and recorded on cassette tape as an ode to his parents and happy childhood. A member of the critically acclaimed Australian band the Initiative, Penrose recently dipped into the archives and roped in a few pals to add musical accompaniment to the revised tribute.
Arranged by fellow Initiative colleague Joe Mandica – who also handles guitar, bass and strings on the number – “My Side of the Merri” further presents the talents of Daniel Agius and Adam Calaitzis.
Marty Penrose’s rich and spirited vocals perch high atop the Elvis Presley / Roy Orbison branch of the tree, as “My Side of the Merri” is bathed in a warm glow of lush melodies and sweeping orchestration. Together, they create an aura swooning with magic and majesty.
Seeded with sincerity, the joyous mid-paced ballad paints a panoramic view of hanging with friends, eating favorite foods, “listening to the Beach Boys without the seatbelts on” and simply leading a carefree life surrounded by love, fun and frolic.
Generating serviceable qualities by the pound, Marty Penrose’s “My Side of the Merri” incorporates perfectly-formed pop sensibilities with the style of short-story lyricism associated with bands like Squeeze and Crowded House. Recalling a time of trust and innocence, “My Side of the Merri” is dewy-eyed nostalgia at its best.
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