Seth Swirsky I said. Seth who? A composer sonngrwiter, movie director... Never heard? How about a guy who wrote "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" that was a hit for Al Green? Or co wrote songs that were hits for Taylor Dyne (Tell It To My Heart) and Michael Mc Donald. Not enough? How about the composer of the music for "Grand Theft Auto V"? Or the director of the documentary "Beatles Stories", or the guy who sued Mariah Carey in 2004 for "One Of Those Love Songs" and won? Not enough? Will one of the greatest collectors of baseball memorabilia and author of three books on the sport do?
Well, if even that is not enough, Seth just put out his third solo album, "Circles and Squares". For somebody who's been around since the Eighties, and so busy with so many nd diverse projects its no wonder. So, if you've never heard the guy on his solo outings, and knowing now what else he's done, what are you to expect? Many reviewers who like labels called Seth's solo work power pop. Sure, there is that pop element present, but power would be somewhat debatable term. If by that they mean great melodies and a lot of harmonies, well, then they are on the right track.
Swirsky's infatuation with the Beatles is ever present, on this album too. Listen to the intro to "Table" and its clever variation on "Ticket To Ride" intro. But he also tries to inject that American harmony element, ie. the Beach Boys, the opening "Shine" is a prime example. What carries the album through and makes it a great listen is Swirsky's sense of known elements and turning them into something new, but oh so familiar. As far as the recent albums go, he shares that knack with the Teenage Fan Club and their album "Here". So, coming up to winter, Swirsky's "Circles and Squares" is a brilliant reminder of those balmy summer days without being mindless or trivial in any manner.
