Mike DoughtySad Man Happy Man
ATO Records [2009]
Fire Note Says: Doughty returns to his solo roots and shines!
Album Review:
If you think artists don't care about fans reaction to releases then think again. Sad Man Happy Man is a record that is a direct response to Doughty's fans and their intense reactions to last years solo release Golden Delicious [2008]. Turns out that record split his fan base into a love it or hate it group, so the former Soul Coughing frontman decided to revert back to a mostly acoustic sound and focus on what he does best - lyric manipulation. What made Doughty's earlier solo records infectious was his ability to make catchy simple choruses - repeat them - and then bring more verbal wit to the table. Sad Man Happy Man has plenty of it, whether it is talking about slutty fat girls, the economic crisis, Tango and Cash or the stock exchange. Doughty comes off completely clever and is able to draw you in on every phrase. It are these types of moments that make Sad Man Happy Man enjoyable. What truly makes the record a success is its simplicity. It shows that you don't need a million dollar production to release a solid record. It is also an album that will play great live with a band or a one man show with an acoustic guitar. The key thing to ask when you listen to Mike Doughty is: Can you find a better singer? - sure. Can you find songs with more meaning? - absolutely. Can you find another artist that simply made a record that not only he wanted to hear but is specifically directed towards his long time followers? - that may be a bit harder but Doughty fits the bill and fans can't go wrong checking out Sad Man Happy Man!
Key Tracks: "Lorna Zauberberg", "Lord Lord Help Me Just To Rock Rock On", "(You Should Be) Doubly (Gratified)"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Beck
Stephen Malkmus
Ben Kweller
Mike Doughty: Golden Delicious [Fire Note Says 2/28/08]
Official Mike Doughty Website
Mike Doughty MySpace
Mike Doughty Info [Allmusic]
ATO Records
-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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