Mark Kleiner Power Trio - - 2002

A power pop trio of the highest order, this group is intent on thriving on bubblegum pop riffs and cavity-inducing harmonies, particularly on "Beautiful Slide" and "Tivoli Park." Although this is Mark Kleiner's album in the fact he wrote most of the lyrics, the supporting cast of drummer Kurt Dahle and bassist Pete Mills is just as important in carrying the album's message of good times and fun. Some of the numbers work much better than others, notably "Love Tonight," which throws a slight curveball into the mix by opening with a piano lead and Kleiner's falsetto in the proceedings. "Fell in Love With the Girl" also evokes a British Invasion influence and a Paul McCartney tinge on the vocals. Only on the pretty "Birth to Blue" does the band stray into a soppy, melodic piano hook for its payoff, but it seems to work regardless over the lengthy track despite the lyrics being clichéd. The cover version of "Baby It's You" is another highlight of the album's conclusion. None of the tracks particularly stand out, but the album as a whole has several great gems on it. -AMG

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