Search - Mayflies Usa :: Pity List

At Least Three Good Songs, No Bad Ones

Andrew J. Trask | Alexandria, VA USA | 04/15/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Roger Ebert once offered his definition of a good film as "at least three great scenes, no bad ones." Modify the definition slightly, and you've got a pretty good definition of a good album -- and one that "The Pity List" fits handily. The Mayflies USA aren't going to sell out stadiums anytime soon, but their combination of catchy guitar hooks and inventive lyrics (granted, about standard pop situations) promise enjoyable repeated listenings. Three standouts: (1) "Thinking Out Loud" features a fun bassline, and the witty, faux-deep chorus "Everyone knows what you're trying to do/Everyone but you." (2) "The Great Big World" is a bittersweet ditty (if a ditty can be bittersweet) with countervocals that stay just this side of hokey. (3) "I Wanna Be Your Gun" is quite possibly the best song on the album -- catchy, energetic, and featuring more inventive lyrical turns than some bands can come up with in an entire album, including the semi-inexplicable "Fifteen to a ton/And you want to hurt someone/I don't want a shot/I just wanna be your gun." (Also of note: "Florida to the Radio," "Getting to the End of You," "Sodium Pentathol," "The End of the Line," "Sold on You," "Ballad of the Bailing Man.") The album's certainly worth a listen, and, of course, a purchase."

The pity is ...

Andrew Otwell | Seattle, WA | 02/04/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"...that it's a rather mediocre effort. Sophmore jinx perhaps? Their first, Summertown, was pretty much the same formula, but here the songs just aren't as interesting. Even after three or four listens, there just isn't anything that stands out like "Baby's Got Her Own Ideas" or "The Apple" from the last album."

This is enjoyable power pop

James Reckling | Roanoke, Va USA | 03/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit that on first listen to this cd I was underwhelmed and this is coming from a power pop fan from way back. But subsequent listens revealed a thoroughly enjoyable cd. There is plenty of power in this pop as there is almost a wall of guitar sound on most of it. As a matter of fact that is why it took a few listens to warm up to it- the hooks were almost obscured by the guitars but after a few listens they reveal themselves. I would say that if you like Marshall Crenshaw, Matthew Sweet, Flashing Lights, etc you will really enjoy this cd."