Phil Angotti has been around for some twenty years and has produced a lot of recorded music over the period. He works both as a solo act and also with bands such as The Idea and The Beatle Brothers. 'Eastside Soul' is a solo album and although one might think that it would be a 'singer songwriter' type of deal, there is much more invention and stylistic twists and turns present. First cut 'East Side Soul #27' is a sharply observed take on the style of a certain Mr Zimmerman and is very convincing in it's execution, which is no mean feat. 'Psychedelic Sunday' is a total contrast and is a mid-paced number that suggests the innocence of say Syd Barrett coupled with the lush instrumentation of late 60's baroque pop to great effect. '95th St. Bridge Song' shuffles along with an acoustic guitar supported by subtle tremolo guitar backing, it's almost country but not quite. 'Mr Baroo' tears some strips off a music reviewer and how many artists have wanted to lash out at a sharp tongued music press reviewer, well Phil has done such a good job that any band wanting to do so should cover this song and just supplant the appropriate name of the offending hack and bingo, job done! 'Tike' features some great piano and jazzy brass interjections for a cool night club feel, whilst 'Don't Want To Live Inside Myself' is a big ballad where Phil's souful rasp is allowed to have full reign to great effect. The final track is hidden and untitled, but is a suite of acoustic numbers that allow Phil to tip the hat to influences whilst allowing his world weary but souful voice to come to the fore, a fitting end to a refined and worthwhile additon to Mr Angotti's musical canon and your cd collecton.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank 05/25/09
1. Eastside Soul #27 2. Psychedelic Sunday 3. Avenue L 4. If I Catch You 5. This New One 6. 95th St. Bridge Song 7. Nervous Girls 8. Everyone's the Same 9. Mr. Baroo 10. Marykate 11. Tike 12. Out Of Here 13. Help Save Rock 'n Roll Music 14. Don't Want to Live Inside Myself
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