The following is a guest review from famous comic book writer and story teller, Mike Baron. "Rob Stuart is a one-man-band recording all the instruments himself in his basement lab. Stuart is a master of pop dynamics and his records are perpetual motion machines, employing every trick, hook, and change in the book to maintain a propulsive forward dynamic. He recorded his first album in a month on a radio dare.
Blogspot Art Into Dust had this to say about last year`s Ice Cold Pop: `Rob Stuart obviously loves Power Pop and that is a good thing but more importantly he has the talent and the chops to take it that vital step further. Power Pop bottom line is all about the songs and his songs are as great as the very best of them, witty, smart, melodic and imbued with pretty twists of melody. Hooks are also vital and Rob has that knack in spades. Great classic honey tinged pop voice, and playing the majority of the instruments he has that ability like Jason Falkner and Roger Klug to light up like a band rather than like a Mike Oldfield. And though he is unashamedly and purposefully power pop there is enough individuality in the playing and lyrically to, after a few listens, make him sound unmistakably Broken Promise Keeper first and foremost."
Blogspot Bill`s Music Forum says this about Poptimized: "True to the name, Poptimized makes every effort to incorporate all of the criteria that make a wonderful and memorable pop record. Stuart continues to put substance over style, so while the melodies dazzle, the production is more on the lo-fi, garage pop end of the spectrum. But in the case of BPK, this just adds to the charm. "Scarred For Life" is a terrific little rocker that kick things off, bristling with guitar tones and riffs that sound like early 80s new wave (a bit of old school R.E.M. mixed with The Romantics). "Hyperdriven" continues along these lines, with enough Star Trek references to keep any fan of sci-fi happy. "Today I Do" is an all too honest account of one`s feelings towards others ("Today I love you more than yesterday, but as far as tomorrow - that`s another day"), with a decent hook adorned with plenty harmonies and some fun handclaps. "Pray For Rain" is also full of interesting moments and is augmented with some snappy tapping on the piano."
We praised Ice Cold Pop last year for its melodic ingenuity, joy de vivre, and timelessness, and this year`s release is no exception. Highly recommended. " - Mike Baron, the one and only.
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