Dan Bryk "Lovers Leap" (Scratchie Records)

This album really gets under your skin. The first listen you are saying, "hmmm, nice pop songs and the slow piano songs remind me of Ben Folds Five (a band I can't stand…the Pat Boone of alternative!)" By the third listen you are hooked! Lovers Leap is a subliminal pop masterpiece, with lyrical brilliance that hits you on several levels. But, no matter how dark the subject matter of Dan's lyrics (such as the disturbing "Fingers"), you don't come away feeling depressed. Plus, Mr. Bryk seems to have a sarcastic sense of humor just like mine (check out "Chunky Girls")!

And if thirteen great songs aren't enough, there are nine bonus mp3 tracks as well as a video! I came across these tracks quite by accident, since the CD is not labeled, "enhanced". Finally, look for the bonus mp3 track, "Graveyard of Friends", it's a hidden gem!

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