Search - Air Miami :: Me Me Me

Overlooked song-writing talents

Jason Robey | Silver Spring, MD USA | 04/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Me.Me.Me" is a collection of pure, sugary pop gems. If you're familiar with Mark Robinson's prior group, Unrest, then you have a pretty good idea of what "Me.Me.Me." sounds like: well-crafted, impossibly catchy indie-pop.I bought "Me.Me.Me." (when it was released) because I was impressed and fascinated with Unrest's "Imperial f.f.r.r." album. "Me.Me.Me." sounds similar to the more pop-structured moments on "Imperial f.f.r.r." But, whereas "Imp..." was alternately very experimental in nature, "Me.Me.Me." sticks to a more traditional verse-chorus-verse format. This of course makes "Me.Me.Me." more accessible than "Imp...", but at the same time it misses out on attaining the same heights of perfection that Robinson achieved on his previous effort. This doesn't mean that "Me.Me.Me." is a disappointment, just that it's best songs aren't as monumental as the best songs on "Imp..."Robinson's continued collaboration with Bridget Cross, the vocalist/guitarist that joined Unrest for their last two albums, is very welcome. Cross has some of the best female pop vocals I've heard in recent years. She actually sounds very similar to Juliana Hatfield. Though she was perfect on "June" (second-to-last track on "Imperial f.f.r.r."), she is almost as deliciously divine here. Just very innocent and pretty sounding. (Robinson's vocals aren't anything to sneeze at either.)Cross's songs are deeper, stranger, and lyrically superior to Robinson's material. Robinson's songs are definitely brighter and catchier and, although more simple lyrically, they are clever in their own way.The best hooks on the album belong to Robinson's "I Hate Milk" and "World Cup Fever." "Seabird" and "Afternoon Train" are dreamy little Bridget Cross excursions. Other good songs are "Special Angel," "Bubble Shield," "You Sweet Little Heartbreaker," and "The Event Horizon."Low points: Way, way, WAY too much "b-ba-bah." The "b-ba-bah" should've gone out with the Partridge Family. Also, the tail-end of "Special Angel" (a great song otherwise) sounds almost identical to a song from the 70's that I just can't seem to remember right now, but you'll understand when you hear it. Oh, and sometimes the lyrics are just painfully simple.Even a less-than-perfect effort by Mark Robinson and/or Bridget Cross is something to cherish. It's a disservice that they have yet to gain widespread recognition as superior song-writing talents.Bottom line: If you don't own Unrest's "Imperial f.f.r.r." and you're looking to plunge into the Robinson/Cross back catalogue, then I'd recommend buying that one first. However, if you'd rather start with something less experimental, Air Miami's "Me.Me.Me." is the better bet. Either way, if you're into indie pop and don't have anything by Robinson or Cross, you really need to get one or the other, or both! Hope this helped!"

Better than Unrest

Mister Myxlplx | Midwest | 06/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Unrest and I dig Air Miami even more. This album has super catchy songs that stand up to repeated listening well. Poppy with great stutter-y rhythm guitar."