Customer Reviews

Brand New By Tomorrow

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The erstwhile Beastie Boy known as Money Mark (Mark Ramos-Nishita) has been skipping genres ever since he started releasing solo albums. One of those artists that's difficult to pin down, artistically speaking.

And in "Brand New By Tomorrow," he changes sounds about a dozen times, seamlessly skipping through styles like a stone over water -- a sort of folky Beatlesy pop inflected with some delightful electronica, with songwriting that hovers somewhere between introspection and depression.

It opens on a strong note: "Color of Your Blues," which tries to reshape the traditional blues with some grinding fuzzy guitar and a backing chorus during certain lines. "I feel naked wherever I go/people can see/it's in my face/and when I breathe/it's the story of faded glory/life is made up of all that you lose," Mark sings quietly.

He follows that up with a series of pop songs that hit an unusually eclectic note -- peppy pop with violins and drums, blippy electropop, mellow guitar tunes, tinkly little ballads, folksy-edged pop melodies, and your ordinary guitarpop laced with sharp, rapid beats. Then in the last song, he goes completely wild -- a crazy, funky dancepop tune!

"Brand New By Tomorrow" isn't quite Money Mark's most inspired piece of work -- that would have to be 1998's "Push The Button." This album even sounds a bit like it, with its electic pop pieces. But "Brand New By Tomorrow" is more focused on its theme than on trying out new sounds.

Part of that comes from Mark's voice -- a little rough and gravelly, and even light at times, as if he is hiding his feelings. And he can twist electronica, guitar, drums and a bit of strings into whatever kind of song, and whatever mood. Tinkly stuff, warm guitars, or just complex twining pop tunes, with layers of strings just under the retro synth and solid drums.

It's more cheerful than his lyrics, which seem to be centered on the decay of a relationship. His poignant writing is full of "faded glory," black butterflies, and other bittersweet topics. "Everyday I Die A Little" overdoes the angst, but in most other songs he strikes the delicate balance between being sad and being mopey. "Pretend you sleep/it's your security/no one can wake you/don't fade tonight..." he sings sadly over a quiet guitar.

Money Mark is in good form in "Brand New By Tomorrow," which doesn't forge much new territory, but deserves kudos for being a musically adept, appealingly bittersweet piece of work. Very solid.

This is a great album. Somewhat retro with the smooth sounds of the 70's but overall a great production with great songs. You won't go wrong with Money Mark's masterpiece.

This isn't going to be one of those insightful, in depth, critical thinking kinds of reviews. I am listening to this album as I type this, and I just can't listen to it enough. Read the other reviews, listen to the samples of the tracks...you'll know if it's your kind of thing, and if it is then you are going to love it as much as me. I'm going to go give his album Push The Button 5 stars soon too.

Update: I'm listening to this album as I update this review. I have been thinking about what gets super popular, and who becomes a superstar...and why...and how. The only cynical conclusion I have come up with that is that there's a lot of stupid sheeple out there. Why are Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne as big as they are, and artists like Money Mark aren't? This album is brilliant. Yea, I have turned into a huge fan, so read this review with that bias in mind :)

Relaxed, upbeat melody taking place more often than not. A very apt selection if you're looking for a lifestyle-soundtrack type of album. Fun music with ambiance to spare. Good for a drive to the beach or background music for a casual dinner party. That seems to be it's selling point, so if you're looking for an unforgettable classic or a more challenging listen, keep looking.

I can't top that last guy's review... but I just picked this album up, and I love it. A total departure from what i've been listening to recently, and very refreshing. Mellow, upbeat... yum? If you get this one via "free" download, I would suggest buying a copy online or in-store. Definitely an album worth supporting the artist for.

Me likey.