ALAN MADEJ - "11 Love Songs"

I was a bit apprehensive of the title of this CD when I opened the envelope. I thought it was a promise of cheese to come. So I put off listening to it for a while. Then one day I summoned the courage to face the music - literally. The sounds that came through the speakers were pleasant and catchy. I liked what I was hearing and it did sound an awful lot like being in love, or at least that sticky-sweet feeling you get when you hold hands and giggle. Each song is arranged simply for acoustic guitar (and piano on "Bright Lights") and minimal percussion (usually handclapping), if any at all. The vocals are in a register that evokes early David Bowie, maybe even a bit of John Lennon. The music and lyrics cover a broad section of the introspection that one tends to endure during love in its beginning stages. Alan Madej sings and plays with the utmost sincerity, lending listeners confidence and room to relax and sit and take it all in.

-- Jason Manriquez
Scissor Socket Shocker Zine, Issue 2