Subtitled "The Cornerstone Outtakes," this seven-track mini-album is an enjoyable collection of leftovers from pop tunesmith
Richard X
.
Heyman
's stellar 1998 effort
"Cornerstone,"
along with one track featuring former
Herman's Hermits
frontman
Peter Noone
cuts loose on this informal outing, comfortably wearing his influences on his sleeve via a bare-bones rhythm section, thoughtful arrangements, and soulful vocals.
"A Little Drive"
is pure
Beach Boys
circa 1965 with harmonies that
Brian Wilson
and company would mistake for their own. The raucous
"Why Can't She See Me"
evokes
the Who
's
"Happy Jack"
halcyon days while
"Monk's Hollow"
ghosts the easygoing classic country rock fusion of
Gram Parson
Flying Burrito Brothers
almost effortlessly.
"Hoosier Girl"
is a paean to
Noone
's legendary outfit, and the fact that the head
Hermit
agreed to sing the lead on the opening cut adds to the overall authenticity.
's clever, low-key production and ability to inject his own indelible style on each song sidesteps the retro/nostalgia tag, making this disc a likable exercise. ~ Tom Semioli