Published on Aug 12, 1999
Michael Shelley is a New York singer/songwriter who writes witty
melodic ditties that offer keen observations about the world around
him. His latest CD,
Too Many Movies, further hones those observations into
occasionally brillant songs. While this is one nice collection of
songs, he still has a little ways to go in producing a completely
satisfying work.
The opening song is a gem: “Baby’s In A Bad Mood” is about a
husband who tries to deal with his working wife coming home with a
sour disposition. Every man who has been in this situation will
relate to this song and nod at its realism.
Shelley continues on a roll with the tongue and cheek title
tune. This is a tale about a couple comparing their relationship
with what they have seen in the movies. “The Pill” follows and it
is a funny take on a teenage girl’s coming of age.
Too Many Movies certainly starts off with quite a
one-two-three punch.
Other highlights are “Summer, I Pissed You Away”, a song about a
man who is ashamed to say he did nothing during the summer. This
song includes a nice mock-serious string arrangement by bassist
George Rush. “Jigsaw Girl” is a good example of Shelley’s gift for
irreverent detail. “She Not You” is a nice list song that shows
that he listens to Cole Porter tunes.
The problem with
Too Many Movies is I get the feeling that Shelley is
underachieving. Much of the rest of the CD is filler. Granted, some
of it is enjoyable filler like a song about dental hygiene called
“That’s Where The Plaque Is”, or the surf music sendup, “Surfer
Joan”. I even like “Sluggo”, an instrumental that includes an
organ, clarinet, and toy piano, making for an interesting
sound.
But too many of the songs go in and out without much notice.
“You Were Made To Break My Heart” and “The Girl With The Light In
Her Eyes” are just short and forgettable. And one song, “Sweet
Little One”, which I think is meant to be more meaningful, is just
not very interesting.
Too Many Movies is definitely an easy listen. The melodies
and instrumentation are pleasant, perfect for some laid-back summer
music listening. The songs themselves are a bit hit and miss, but
even the worst ones give the listener a pleasant diversion.