REVIEW: P.J. Olsson, Words For Living (C2/Sony)
- Paul Andersen
Cross Brian Wilson with Beck's Odelay period, slice in a voice somewhere between Seal and McCartney, and punch out some lyrics ("had a dream last night 'bout joseph stalin/was his son haulin' out of moscow/on a jelly bean with wheels" from 'Visine') that are as loopy as some of the sound samples, and you will come up with the major label debut by L.A.-based techno-folkie P.J. Olsson. It is a world that may be a harbinger for folk music in the new millennium. And besides, it's damn catchy, too.
Along with Nashville's Doug Hoekstra, Olsson is pushing the boundaries of folk-based music by grafting bits and pieces of other seemingly astringent formats into a totally unique mix that pushes the envelope in terms of what we've come to expect from singer/songwriters, one of the most basic of artistic formats. No longer will simply a voice and guitar do, if Olsson is any indication of where it is all going. Yet amazingly, grumblers looking for the good ol' days will be hard-pressed to find fault with any of the ingredients here.
That is because, ultimately, regardless of the tools used, a singer/songwriter will always live or die by the strength of the songs themselves. Olsson, through all the smoke and mirrors, is blessed with a head for melody and a knack for words. He may have his pet sounds, but they are always in service of the songs, never at the mercy of their own accouterment.
Brian Wilson will smile and understand. It's a gem of an album, folks. Come see the future, today.
