Let`s up this up front: Jensen Bell`s album "Modern Dating Tips" is about as classic Not Lame styled `power pop` as we come across and, therefore, is cause for celebration in these quarters. Fans of Matthew Sweet, Big Star, the first Myracle Brah album, some Raspberries, Owsley`s first album, Fountains Of Wayne, Teenage Fanclub, it`s all here in spades - an aces. "An instant classic in the oft-uninspired power pop genre. Fans of The Three B`s - Fountains Of Wayne, Owsley and Teenage Fanclub -- will certainly find the music comprising "MDT" to be thoroughly entertaining - if not downright comforting - for all the hallmarks of classic power pop are present and accounted for: jangling 12-string guitars, effervescent vocal melodies, and lots of lovely, layered background vocal harmonies, all driving by a pulsing backbeat..an amazingly cohesive and lyrical debut, one that proves this emerging artist not only has a comprehensive grasp of the melodic rock idiom, but is also uniquely able to imprint his own original spin on the genre."Fufkin.com. "Jensen Bell takes the dissonant pop of Elvis Costello, the addictive sound of the Beatles, and his numerous other musical influences to make a sound truly unique. Fun, deep, ironic, sharp and intelligent, Jensen Bell is the quintessential truth in music. "-Mandilou. You`ll hear that striking, strong jangle sound that Alex Chilton used all over Big Star albums(think "September Gurls") throughout "Modern Dating Tips", which only serves to bring echoes of classic sounds to the forefront. "What great pop! "Beauty Secrets" is a hit single waiting to happen! Catchy as hell, with a great, hooky verse and an equally incredible chorus and a terrific vocal. "Love Stained Eyes" is a beautiful song, meticulous construction with an inventive chord progression, and those double-tracked vocals and expressive strings; this one sent chills up my spine. I love the background vocals at the beginning of "Up & Out"; this song shows Jensen`s wide vocal range to great effect, and again, the song is catchy to the max. I`m most enamored with "Askin` You Out," a warm and wonderful tune that recreates that weird feeling of wanting to go out with someone and being afraid to pop the question; some really nice background vocals here, too"-PurePopRadio. Recorded by Martin Luther Lennon producer, Steve Refling, there are a few songs here that even bring to mind the most classic MLL scorcher, bless the boy. Everything here has a refreshing, consistently inventive arranging and enough jangle make perma-smiles on many a Not Lamer. An understatement: Extremely Highly Recommended!!
 Her City`s Got A Train - mp3
Beauty Secrets - mp3
Possible Jane Situation - mp3
The Swear Off Song - mp3
Happening - mp3 |
