Ever dreamed of a collaboration between
Scott Walker and the
Human League? Then
Laptop (aka
Jesse Hartman) is your man.
Laptop's debut full-length is, musically, a throw-back to '80s synth pop, and lyrically both smart and killing, though
Hartman may be too self-aware for some listeners. Highlights include "End Credits," a song addressing the role technology plays in terminating a relationship. "Greatest Hit" is all about early-'80s funk, and chronicles a hilarious attempt at complementing a current girlfriend by comparing her to all the ones that came before. The electro cover of "It's Still Rock 'n' Roll to Me" has roots in the
Residents bag of tricks, and suggests what
Kraftwerk might sound like if they lost their collective mind and started looking to
Billy Joel for inspiration. Still, with all the humor and mockery on
Opening Credits, nothing can prepare the listener for "I'm So Happy You Failed," a gleeful sing-along that is tongue-in-cheek, but biting nonetheless. ~ Bart Bealmear