Customer Reviews

Mr. Sunshine

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

 

 

It's not Billy Joel in sunglasses grinning behind the candle on Dan Pelletier's first album, but the similarities to the "Piano Man" go beyond the physical resemblance. Pelletier's musicianship and clever lyrics on "Mr. Sunshine" are noticeably well above average. The bad news is, he's got some outstanding material that was too recent to make the cut for his debut album; the good news, however, is that what's included on this album is first class from start to finish. Pelletier is beyond ingenious in most of his lyrics, and the musical hooks in several songs are very enjoyable. "Three Chances" is a typical quality track, with a delightful turn of events in the last line of the lyrics set to a passionate, soulful tune. It is said that a ten-year-old boy once wrote "Please don't commit suicide, Mr. Vonnegut" to the famous author, and the same could be suggested to Pelletier, who details the possibility in "The 8:05" - which is thankfully avoided by a well-written ending in the lyrics, along with a typically beautiful melody (is it in D minor?). Pelletier is somehow able to dump a lot of angst over everyday defeats in an inspiringly positive manner, making his album appealing to a wide audience, especially manic-depressives, since the time is so short within his songs between despair and delight, between the bittersweet and the genuinely funny. Another of his songs wonders whether Einstein, Edison, Socrates, Plato, or Martin Luther King could have made their marks on history if they had to attend to the same dreary tasks of everyday life that he has to bear. The song is titled "Must Be Doing Something Wrong," but in his debut album, it's obvious that Pelletier must be doing something very right. He's got the tools and the talent to make it big, and he's got the potential for a breakout successful recording career which is entirely deserved. Do yourselves a favor and check this album out - you will not be disappointed.

Track Seven is a timeless CLASSIC - Trust me on this, especially if you have ever been a child or have had one or a few, or have known anyone with any - The disc is worth purchasing just for this tune, which you will find yourself re-playing repeatedly - Thank you, Mr. Pelletier, for a virtually perfect combination of lyric and music AND arrangement and musicianship (trombone, banjo, etc....) - Bravo.

I really loved this cd, Dan has a wonderful voice and has written some great songs. My favorite tracks are "I Must Be doing Something wrong" and "An Ordinary Man". I have met Dan and he is as nice in person too. I too am waiting for the next cd.

This is a really fine disk. Dan writes clever, sometimes humorous, sometimes surprising, but always entertaining, lyrics. But he doesn't rely on cuteness to carry the song. The music speaks for itself. I am eagerly awaiting his next release, which will contain a wonderful track called "You And Me Cat". Don't miss it!

It's not Billy Joel in sunglasses grinning behind the candle on Dan Pelletier's first album, but the similarities to the "Piano Man" go beyond the physical resemblance. Pelletier's musicianship and clever lyrics on "Mr. Sunshine" are noticeably well above average. The bad news is, he's got some outstanding material that was too recent to make the cut for his debut album; the good news, however, is that what's included on this album is first class from start to finish. Pelletier is beyond ingenious in most of his lyrics, and the musical hooks in several songs are very enjoyable. "Three Chances" is a typical quality track, with a delightful turn of events in the last line of the lyrics set to a passionate, soulful tune. It is said that a ten-year-old boy once wrote "Please don't commit suicide, Mr. Vonnegut" to the famous author, and the same could be suggested to Pelletier, who details the possibility in "The 8:05" - which is thankfully avoided by a well-written ending in the lyrics, along with a typically beautiful melody (is it in D minor?). Pelletier is somehow able to dump a lot of angst over everyday defeats in an inspiringly positive manner, making his album appealing to a wide audience, especially manic-depressives, since the time is so short within his songs between despair and delight, between the bittersweet and the genuinely funny. Another of his songs wonders whether Einstein, Edison, Socrates, Plato, or Martin Luther King could have made their marks on history if they had to attend to the same dreary tasks of everyday life that he has to bear. The song is titled "Must Be Doing Something Wrong," but in his debut album, it's obvious that Pelletier must be doing something very right. He's got the tools and the talent to make it big, and he's got the potential for a breakout successful recording career which is entirely deserved. Do yourselves a favor and check this album out - you will not be disappointed.