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Here are a few recent reviews of "Sideshow Freak" and "Pawn Shop Crystal Ball" (from my debut "Pop Motel" CD).
"How was your Christmas? Get any unusual gifts this year? I got a Power Pop Juicer! I wasn't sure what to think of it at first, but when I got home and used it, the results were quite enjoyable. I tossed in some Beatles, a handful of Cheap Trick, a dash of David Bowie, a pinch of Teenage Fanclub, two parts Matthew Sweet, a tablespoon of The Posies, a 1/2 cup of Jellyfish…and am now enjoying a healthy serving of what we'll call Sideshow Freak, the new opus from Steven Wright-Mark.
Isn't that it really boils down to? Ingesting enough of the right influences and regurgitating what might remind one of what initially went down. Steven Wright-Mark has it down to what seems like a science. His music is like throwing a handful of my favorite CDs against the wall, taking the largest bits that remain and constructing something beautiful from the aftermath. This is the second album he's sent me and I'm impatiently already awaiting the third." ~ Rock Sellout
"Some of you may recall Steven Wright-Mark from Pop Motel, his debut of a few years ago. Those who don't (and those who do) can jump right on board with his latest, Sideshow Freak. This one hits all the power pop sweet spots with a sound reminiscent of Matthew Sweet combined with Elvis Costello, and a pop sensibility shared by the recently reviewed Rob Bonfiglio. Standouts include "Change", "Baby's Coming Home", "Because of You" and "The Real You", which I've helpfully embedded below. Good stuff." ~ Absolute Powerpop
"Power pop is one of those genres that you don't realize how much you miss until you hear a great example of it, and suddenly remember how long it's been. Steven Wright-Mark's songs are perfect nuggets of crunchy-sweet goodness, and to make it all even more impressive, he sings all the parts and plays all the instruments on this fantastic album. If you remember the Smithereens and the dBs with fondness, if you wish the Rubinoos had a little more muscle, if you love singing harmonies in the car, then this disc is for you -- and it's definitely for your patrons. (You can order at the link above; purchase orders are welcome.)" ~ CD HotList
"Came across this artist purely by chance, and immediately fell in love with his music-perhaps you will too. He is another artist that does all the writing, producing, and playing of all the instruments. If you like Jellyfish, I think you'll enjoy his work." ~ MOG
"I am listening to your music right now, and I am really blown away. Pawn Shop Crystal Ball is just one of the coolest songs that I have heard in a long long time." ~ Adam Waltemire, Pop Garden Radio
"Pawn Shop" is a classic. Everything about it works beautifully - fantastic. Sounds like you're a tried and true pop geek with plenty of insight into the last 30 years of popular music and a particular penchant for what rock critics snidely refer to as "power pop" (gasp, sputter!). Great words. Excellent arrangement. Cool chunk-chunk guitar. A chorus for the ages. Totally aces. (p.s. I had to play the song 5 times before moving on. That's how much I like it)." ~ TAXI review
See you under the big top.
Steven
