Currently an import only release from NYC musician David Yazbek, this album caught some interest on the XTC list (largely because of the appearance of pop genius/principal XTC tune weaver Andy Partridge on the album) and warrants up a look see for those who not cast too far down into the greasy hair gloom pits that Seattle spawned. Yazbek can bang on a clavinette and recite stream of conciousness sound bites or piece together gentle little vingettes over the soft gushings of a mellotron and ahve you not notice either because of all the charm and honest melody in his voice.
Yazbek, who's nabbed an Emmy penning jokes for Lettermen fresh out of college, is principally a keyboard player who grew up listening to Monk and at one time had a deal with Capitol until it was abruptly scotched by the mega-label. Humbug, also home to British popster Martin Newell) adopted him and have put out The Laughing Man earlier this year. While a US label search continues, Yazbek is also the guiding light behind an XTC tribute disc that will house such opposing musical entities as the Crash Test Dummies and salsa lord Ruben Blades.
Bearing a resemblence to a less fussy Howard Jones, Yazbek's tunes, from the ones on which he's the sole resident to the tracks where he fitted into an ensemble, range from ditties that heavy layers of pop sugary synth work upon them to straightfoward rock bits like Pinnochio's Nose. While Yazbek is able to sway betwixt the two forums assuredly, it's the unabashed and uptempo sentiments that grasp the attention. Harmonies drive and uphold the positive vibe throughout and there are some nuances that glow across the track listing musically as well. Little bits like the faux-horn solo on Tommorow or the pleasant, rubbery bass line that's wrapped around The Wind. Worth tracking down in case the conglomerates are still only seeking out things steeped in angst and distortion.
Humbug Records can be reached at PO Box 2903 London N13 NE England.
