Although mainstream radio abandoned the "true" artist many years ago, there are still plenty of singing, songwriting talents recording and touring today, artists who still believe in the magic of "the song." Some prefer to serenade their audiences with only an acoustic guitar for company, while others prefer the edge of a band. Former Shods guitarist Dave Aaronoff has not only taken the "band" route, but he's also added plenty of sneering, snappy pop songs not heard this convincingly in nearly 20 years. Although most of the rave reviews that Aaronoff received upon the release of this debut album mentioned Elvis Costello as the main musical reference point, it really does go much deeper than just a blatant tribute to that bespectacled artist. It seems as if the musical influences that ignited the fire in Aaronoff's soul years ago now sizzle for all to hear on this all-too-brief platter of intelligent, edgy pop. Recalling all the things that made power pop, mod, and new wave so exciting in the '70s and '80s, Aaronoff twists and turns these influences around, creating a thoroughly modern version of rockin' soulful mod power pop. If bands like the Jags, the A's, the Lambrettas, or the Elevators existed today, they'd have nothing on Dave Aaronoff & the Details. Just try to resist "Sick of Myself," "The Next Big Thing," "In Her Room," or "Careful Where You Step," just four examples of the sweet and sour pop that pours from your speakers once you press the "play" button. By the time "Right from Wrong" brings the album to a close, you'll be ready to hear the whole thing again. And again.
© Steve Schnee /TiVo