Last month, I saw singer/songwriter Adam Taylor perform. At the time, I was unfamiliar with this talented young man. I enjoyed his set and made note to check out his music. Sometime last month, I believe, Taylor released an EP, Play the Piano Drunk, an album title that leaves me curious. A few days ago, I got the download of this folk pop gem.
Taylor's oft times quirky (by today's pop music standards) music is mixed with folk sensibilities. There are moments when you get a blend of upbeat rockabilly and jazz. This is particularly evident in the opening track "Painting Leprosy (Untitled)" which also happens to be my favorite song from the EP. Lyrically, Taylor takes a poke at television pop culture with "The Box," an enjoyable three part song. My second favorite is "Elvis," a song with danceable rhythms that takes aim at today's society. He also does a cover of The Strokes "12:51" which is nice (and I prefer it to the original) but, I'm partial to his own efforts.
Taylor's style is a nice change of pace from the vast amount of throw away pop music we're inundated with these days. There's not a throw away song on Play the Piano Drunk. He's young. If this is what he's capable of now, I can't wait to hear what he does after some years of seasoning. In the meantime, I look forward to a full length release.
Track Listing
- Painting Leprosy (Untitled)
- 12:51
- Elvis
- The Box Pt. I
- The Box Pt. II
- The Box Pt. III
- Story of the Sea-green Sky
http://www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic