HOWIE BECK "Howie Beck"

There's something pretty cool about Howie Beck that I can't exactly put my finger on. I could, however, point out that his name isn't very rockstar (wasn't it the character in St. Elmo's Fire that Mare Winningham's dad wants her to marry to get the free Chrysler LeBaron? Nice.). I could point out that on first listen, the smooth Starbucks sound that appeals to the latte crowd kinda threw me off. I certainly don't want to listen to baby stroller rock or admit that I do. So now, after those snap judgments, we really listen...

A little Beatles-y, nice lyrics, hmmmm. Nice harmonies, soft synthesizer fills, acousticy riffs I'm starting to remember. Hey!, he's Canadian, whoa, there's a plus. There's some sadness, some real melancholy, oh, but here's lyric that makes me laugh ("don't be afraid if you're all fucked up"). Hey, this is a really nice record. And I bet I can't find one blog that's raved about him. Howie seems one of those not-so-good-at-self-promoting types. I like him even more. I even like that "Sometimes" sounds like it could make all the girls cry during the end credits of a Zach Braff movie or something. I'm okay with that.

I think a therapist would have a field day with today's post. In the meantime, please enjoy Mr. Beck's music and go see him at The Living Room on September 25, he makes a rare NYC appearance. I'm running out to grab an iced coffee at Connecticut Muffin. I crack myself up.

SOMETIMES