You know what’s great about MySpace? No, not
the nearly naked pictures you put up that your thousand
of nameless friends are drooling over. Those didn’t
really impress me. MySpace has given independent musicians
a place to be heard. For example, check out my lastest
MySpace discovery, New Jersey’s Readymade Breakup
and their current musical offering “Isn’t
That What It’s For?”.
So what’s so great about Readymade Breakup?
Only everything. “Isn’t That What It’s
For?” is a collection of the best power pop
ever created on planet Earth. Harnessing sounds from
the likes of Orange Park, Boston, Teenage Fanclub
and Enuff Z’Nuff, Readymade Breakup mixes the
best of the genre with an acoustic Gin Blossoms-esque
touch. Vocalist Paul Rosevear has obviously been channeling
the spirit of Boston frontman Brad Delp. If that doesn’t
impress you, check out how drummer Spicy O’Neil
pounds his way into your brain with intricate grooves
(see “Say Yes” for details).
If you’re a fan of power pop you know the genre
rarely sees a truly innovative band emerge. Readymade
Breakup is ready to fill the need for a fresh sound.
“Ready To End” is filled with timing changes
and smooth harmonies. “Yesterday (Is the Greatest
Day)” is a laid back anthem that would be the
perfect soundtrack to a perfect day. “Without
You” brings the power back to power pop. The
quirky acoustic guitars of the title track swirl in
your brain for hours. Readymade Breakup may wear their
influences on their sleeves, but they do it with a
flair that sets them apart from the pack.
If all this isn’t enough, “Isn’t
This What It’s For” is one of the best
produced indie albums I’ve heard. The mix is
crisp. Each instrument stands out, and the vocals
glow. Readymade Breakup, I think I love you. Why aren’t
you returning my calls? Is it because you caught me
going through your trash? I just can’t get enough
of Readymade Breakup’s power pop perfection.
Key Tracks: “Yesterday (Is The Greatest Day)”
“Starting To End”
Reviewed by Jim McDonald |
