Singer/songwriter
Freddy Monday is an earnest singer/songwriter based in New York, writing songs that are strongly skewed towards the pop rock end of the spectrum. On his latest, “Everything Anyhow”, his instinct for melody and ear for hooks truly shine. This record follows his successful debut, "Words In Pencil", which features some songs that have been heard on TV, such as "Burn Notice" on the USA Network, "Moonlight" on CBS, "Side Order Of Life" on The Lifetime Channel, and over a dozen airings on "The Young And The Restless" on CBS. Another cool piece of trivia that I love – his CD release party for “Words In Pencil” was on the same bill with Colin Hay (Men At Work).
“Everything Anyhow” is enhanced with mandolin and the occasional accordion, offering a dynamic flair that separates it from most garden-variety pop rock albums. The production is excellent, with everything crystal clear and well-balanced, and Monday’s vocals have that reassuring boy next door quality. The CD opener, “Give Me Your Heart” is a pleasant although rather innocuous pop tune. It takes a couple spins, but this one starts to sink in quick and you’ll find that chorus shaking around in your head later in the day. First single, “Please” (video below), is more immediately accessible with its contagious chorus and slide guitar solo. The playful, bouncy piano riff almost makes “Rain All Day” sound like a Sesame Street song – one of the happiest songs to sing the praises of rain, and it is irresistibly fun for all ages. The title track is one of my favorite upbeat numbers with an instantly memorable chorus and sunny harmonies that make it soar. Additional standouts include the infectious “She’s A Teaser” and the 80s throwback “Who Am I Gonna Dance With”, but this doesn’t mean the rest of the tunes are less than listenable by any means. And don’t miss the gorgeous piano ballad, “Fractured”, which allows Monday to showcase his softer side…and his heavenly falsetto.
“Everything Anyhow” is a fantastic sophomore effort that helps cement Freddy Monday as an up and comer in the pop rock arena. Recommended for fans of IKE, Cliff Hillis, or Ken Block.
iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
Freddy Monday – Official site.
Check out the video for “Please”
