Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
Etiquette
Tomlab

People used to seem divided in half about whether this cheap-keyboard using man sells a gimmick or if he's actually sincere. I never got much of a chance to listen to Casiotone myself. There were a couple of songs I came across 3 or 4 years ago, and I liked them ok I remember. I always want to give things a good chance though, and it looks like its time for me to give Casiotone for the Painfully Alone its real due. I hope I like it, because it says it's for me.

The first song is "New Years Kiss". It's a short song whose story catches you. "Young Shields" sports a very nice minor chord progression and driving 80s drums. The singing starts to lose me a little here. The story seems to kind of slip by much more easily in this tune. On close inspection however, a gem developes. "I Love Creedence" has an awesome name. And a really weird modal chord progression. Here the vocal story is upfront, and when this happens the album works best. Keeping the songs short also is a wise move. "Nashville Parthenon" continues the album's growth. He shows his charm in this song.

Find a copy of "Happy Mother's Day" to hear the depth of the sadness on this album.

Perhaps though, while great, this is the kind of album that "A.D.D." may not allow kids these days to sit all the way through. It's not that it's boring. Just, consuming. Try listening to one side at a time.

Copyright © 2006 Mateo Orillas