Album Review: Under the Bed by Josh and The Empty Pockets

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Album Name: Under the Bed
Artist: Josh and The Empty Pockets
Year/Label: 2009 / Independent

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Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Cute name, cute artwork, I was expecting to like this. Then when the CD opens with “Ba-da-da-da-da!” I’m pretty much hooked.

Lead Singer Josh Solomon has a pleasing voice. It’s clear, and easy to understand; which is important because the lyrics are clever.

The songs are melodic and interesting and they’re obviously talented musicians that work well together.

All their songs are pretty radio friendly, but I’d say Let Go and Side Effects are standouts. Though Monsters is pretty cute (about monsters under the bed)

They’re growing on me more with each listen. They remind me of a lo-fi BNL or Ben Folds. Sad to say, but a sign of a good band for me is that I’m able to tell them apart from other bands I’m currently listening to, which I can’t say for the other indie/alternative (mostly boy) bands I’m hearing lately. These guys are distinct.

Maybe part of it is the charming story of their band I found on the CDBaby page.

I guess is the best word to use to describe this band is fun . They seem to be having the time of their lives, which is infectious and important for a band who wants to reel in new fans.

Track Listing
1. Meaningless Words
2. Monsters
3. Missteps
4. Fall Right Now
5. Freedom to Me
6. Beautiful to Me
7. Side Effects
8. I Don’ t Wanna Know
9. Let Go
10. You’re the One
11. Fall Right Now (radio)

[Josh and The Empty Pockets Official Site]


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