Thursday, February 19, 2009

Review: Mitch Friedman "Game Show Teeth"


"Game Show Teeth" is the fourth album of quirky pop from Brooklyn’s Mitch Friedman. While the record was produced, performed and engineered almost entirely by Friedman, he once again brings in some very familiar names from XTC to join in the fun. Andy Partridge contributes some of his trademark guitar licks to “Little Masterpiece,” while Dave Gregory jams on "The Man That Talked Too Much".

Mitch Friedman's brand of pop is playfully "out there", ranging from clever and witty to downright goofy. The comical cover of the CD is a good representation of what you are about to hear. Vocally and musically, Mitch Friedman holds his own, although his vocal tone seems tailored for kids' music or novelty records. Truth be told, most people who prefer this subgenre of pop don't care about that and are just listening for a good laugh - and they should find plenty on "Game Show Teeth". If funny and eccentric pop music is your bag, Mitch Friedman will delight you like no other. In fact, it might make you feel like a kid again. Personally, I can only handle stuff like this in small doses or while really drunk in Vegas.

Audition some Mitch Friedman if you enjoy They Might Be Giants or XTC. If you are not into artists who fuse comedy, kids play, and novelty with their brand of pop, you may want to come up with an excuse to miss this party.

Mitch Friedman on MySpace. Official site. And finally, a web site that is devoted to the "Game Show Teeth" CD.

Check out the music video for "This Is A Song":

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