"Foxes and Hounds" by The Sharp Things

a Review by Amy Producer of Collected Sounds

This is the second release from New York's The Sharp Things. Their first being Here Comes the Sharp Things in 2002. http://cdbaby.com/cd/sharpthings

I guess I would classify them as lush pop rock. They not only utilize the usual, guitar, bass, drums, but there is also piano, strings, horns and, yes, a glockenspiel involved. This creates a really nice full, professional sound.

Lead singer Perry Serpa's voice is very classy and appealing.

"There Will Be Violins" has an Irish/Celtic feel. Like I want to have a mug of beer in hand and swing it back and forth while singing along in a room full of other jovial people.

The piano on "Homeless" and a few other tracks reminds me of Billy Joel and Elton John. This is a good thing, they are gods in my mind.

"95 St Marks Place" has a 60s pop/Beatles sound to it. Peppy, up, fun.

"I'll Always Be Your Loser, Honey" aside from being one of the best titles I've ever heard, is a pretty ballad with clever lyrics.

The beginning of "The Most Dangerous Man In The Living Room" sounds like it belongs in The Sims game. I'm guessing it's a reference to the supposed happy family like (ala The Cleavers) and how that's never really the reality. At least that's what the lyrics say to me.

This is a classy recording that even though came to live in New York makes me feel like I'm in England or Ireland. And for my money, music that can take you away is a pretty great thing.

Posted on August 17, 2005