Some knowledgeable reviewers thought that this combination between R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner could be “strange”. Falkner is a much more known name either as a solo artist or from his stints with “The Three O’Clock” and “Jellyfish”. R. Stevie Moore is considered a classic weirdo, a loner that is more known to those visiting “avant-garde” and “experimental” sites.
And there lies the misunderstanding - both guys are obvious Sixties pop fans (particularly The Beatles) and both also have a great sense of how to add an additional “extra” twist to their pop craving. That is why “Make It Be” works a charm.
Moore, who has been an underground icon for decades, has the capability to turn a simple pop tune or a melody into an angular “progressive” workout and still remain within the usual timing of a single. Oh, and his guitar playing and singing is impeccable.
Falkner, on the other hand, is one of those arranging masters that can turn, again, a simple pop tune or a melody into a Brian Wilson style “pocket symphony”. And, of course, a great singing voice on this guy too.
So, no wonder this album works. On all levels. Whether they present themselves “solo” (Moore on “IH8Ppl” and Falkner on “Another Day Slips Away”), sing jointly (great “I Love Us, We Love Me”), or veer off into instrumental “progressiveness” (“Gower (Theme From A Scene”) or pure jazz (“Guitar Interplay “and “Guitar Interplay Dos”). Another joint highlight is Moore’s “Horror Show”, both showing their best. A personal highlight though is an old R. Stevie Moore staple (the one he has done a few versions of solo), “Play Myself Some Music”, her sung solely by Falkner. His vocals give the song yet another dimension.
What is most important, it all works and it is a joint effort where neither of the artists dominates but contributes his best to make this a great listen. If you were never sure about either of these guys or have not heard of them (particularly Moore), this is a great chance to catch them at their best.
