It is an infectious slice of pop and rock music with elements of funk and even a touch of reggae, which sounds mostly like a blend of Rob Thomas and Ben Folds as Robinson plays a lot more keyboards, organ and piano on this CD.
He has an impressive cast of local musicians playing in this CD with Brad Brouwer and Brady Valgardson playing drums, Paul Holden, Jason Schultchen and Tyler Bird alternating on bass. Bird also plays guitar on the CD. Tyson Wiebe adds background vocals. Dino Scavo adds saxophone to a couple of tracks as well.
Robinson also has some very catchy and optimistic lyrics “You’ve got more beauty than you know,” he croons on the third track “b.soul.” “Inside” sounds like the White Stripes on piano.
“ I’ve got a first class view of the world that keeps getting further away.” he declares on “Mad Song,” one of several , reggae tinged highlights on the CD.
“Fireheaded Woman” is a catchy spaghetti western style tune, which will get those toes a tapping.
“ Falling” is quirky and catchy, with a cool organ driven riff reminiscent of Men Without Hats.” complete with weird lyrics.
“The Waltz is just that, but done in a more alt country style.
One of my favourites is “Mindless Kiss,” which as one of the songs more reminiscent of Ben Folds, has compelling lyrics and a catchy piano/ keyboard riff.
He ends the Cd on a sombre, Tom Waitsish note with “Sad Song.”
— By Richard Amery, L.A Beat Editor
CD: The Other OneBand: Tod Robinson and the Gleu
Genre: pop
