REVIEW: Thom MacFarlane, Gone So Long
- Al Muzer
Former Beethoven Brother Thom MacFarlane follows-up 1996's critically-acclaimed Longtime ('the brightest musical talent to stick a plug into a wall socket connected to a New Jersey power supply) with 12 more brilliant examples of musical progression and melodic growth that come pretty darn close to fulfilling his life-long quest for the perfect pop song.
Mastered by Eric Rachel and featuring musical contributions from Blondie/Dramarama drummer Clem Burke, Rolling Stones sax player Dave Watson, Saturday Night Live Band bassist Paul Ossola and Blondie guitarist Abel Dominguez; a key element of this disc's warmth and engaging spirit should be credited to the sympathetic core duo of bassist Harry Kopy and drummer/producer/engineer Joe Bank playing off the guitar, keyboard and vocal wizardry of MacFarlane.
A pop traditionalist, MacFarlane is respectful of classic influences like The Beatles, Steelers Wheel, Brian Wilson, Jeff Lynne, Squeeze, 10CC and Todd Rundgren; yet isn't afraid to loosen up and pay playful homage to pop geniuses such as Karl Wallinger, the Cyrkle, The Cowsills, Classics IV, Lobo, Fountains of Wayne, Figdish, Firefall and England Dan & John Ford Coley throughout this wonderful sophomore effort.
For further information, check out http://www.bands-online.com/artists/thommacfarlane .
