Which side of the pond does this commerical rocker think he's on?!
Two songs in, I already considered this album an essential listen. Recalling all the best bits of summer as we head into the chill, with their third album Mr. Fuller and his band have managed to create that timeless feeling so many bands crave.
It's fairly obvious from note one that Fuller has always been a fan of that curious blend of bouncy pop and serious melodic rock championed by Paul McCartney, particularly in his Wings incarnation (Anthem Man). So it's appropriate that he joins forces here with Abe Laboriel, Jr. and Brian Ray of McCartney's own band. Here and there you hear Steve Miller's or Tom Petty's brand of snappy Americana (Lovers; Ask), Cheap Trick , or ELO's witty orchestrations (Take me Away; Best of Me). Fuller never seems to stand still: one minute it's the feelgood hit of 'Doin' Nothing', the next it's the gentle breeze of 'Hot Air Balloon'. It's all the better for taking risks and mixing it up, adding humour and flimsiness in with the serious stuff, than to take it all too seriously. It's pure joy to see a good, honest POP album unashamed in just getting on with the job of writing excellent anthemic songs with huge choruses.
"Ask" is a glorious mixture of all of the above and more. Simple, charming lyrics mixed with some seriously catchy melodies bring the best of all of those elements, yet strangely being dated isn't a criticism that can be levelled at it. The sound is bang up-to-date and Hell Fire Angel hints at a metal edge and experimentalism that takes it away from pure McCartney-ism (Merci Beaucoup). Fear not those who consider McCartney a by-word for throwaway jingles, Fuller has included a biting lyrical edge that is closer to Harrison.
More than imitation, it's adding something to the mix: an individuality and freedom often sadly lacking in recorded music. "Ask" is hit after hit of energetic and soulful rhythms, leaving barely a moment of boredom. Recommended listening: 'Lovers'. It has hit single written all over it. Bugger fashion; these are fantastic tunes! Commercial in the best possible sense.