Pop Levi
(Counter Records)
As it is with most musical approaches, you'll often find a figure that is taking it to worldwide acclaim while more talented practitioners fly well below the cultural radar. In the world of artists trying to meld the crunching swagger of '70s glam with the neo-soul antics of Prince all wrapped up in a modern day bow, Of Montreal is the group stealing the spotlight away from folks like Pop Levi.
On this, his second album, Levi outdoes his musical doppelganger Kevin Barnes at every turn, simply by leaving out the artful intentions and literary references and sticking to what makes up most of the great songs in this world - getting girls. And from the sounds of his silken vocals and his kimono-clad body on the cover, there's no doubt he's doing quite well for himself.
Levi also proves himself to be quite the musical wunderkind taking on snappy glitchy electro (the marvelous title track), a bluesy shuffle ("Fire On Your Feet") and synth-driven pleas for forgiveness ("Fountain of Lies") without any drop in quality or pop intelligence.
Standout Tracks: "Never Never Love," Everything & Finally" ROBERT HAM
