Back in June, I reviewed The Simple Carnival’s EP entitled, “Me and My Arrow”, which was a real blast of fresh air for pop purists (review here). Now, The Simple Carnival mastermind Jeff Boller is back as promised with the full-length release “Girls Aliens Food”, due to drop tomorrow.
As expected, “Girls Aliens Food” (I am guessing these are Jeff’s three favorite things besides music) delivers more of the same brand of Harry Nilsson style pop that we heard on the EP. There are a few intriguing instrumentals thrown in, but I prefer the tracks with vocals. Jeff’s soothing tone is like an instant stress reliever, and he has a true gift for harmony and melody. The music is pure pop – not rock, not even power pop – but still undeniably catchy and fun. My kids (5 and 3) really enjoy the stuff! If you like the gentle and mellow sounds that The Carpenters used to hammer out, then The Simple Carnival may feel like a welcome retreat to you.
As on the EP, my favorite track remains “Caitlin's on the Beach”, a brilliant example of a sunny pop masterpiece. Additional standouts on “Girls Aliens Food” include the quirky “Really Really Weird” (see video below) and “Flirt”, which features an irresistibly bouncy piano riff. The acapella track, “Nothing Will Ever Be As Good”, showcases Jeff’s talent for harmony and is reminiscent of the 60s pop group The Association. Sounding like something from an Austin Powers movie, “Over Coffee and Tea” just makes me laugh, and I could use a dose of that kind of laughter more often. “Misery” and the acoustic driven “You Jump First” are two more wonderfully catchy tracks to round out this exceptional release.
If you really want to have some fun at your next party, sneak a Simple Carnival CD into the stereo after the new Metallica. The looks on the faces should be priceless.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10
The Simple Carnival on MySpace. Official Site.
Jeff also runs a really cool gearhead blog called Songs and Sonics. A must see if you are a home recording artist.
Check out the video for “Really Really Weird”:
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