Wakey! Wakey! - Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You
Record Label: Family Records
Release Date: Feb. 2, 2010
Who?
Wakey! Wakey! is the creative project of 20-something singer-songwriter Mike Grubbs, a Brooklyn resident who had performed in various bar bands and musical theater projects before forming this piano-based pop/rock collective. Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You is the band's first full-length album, following on the heels of the War Sweater EP. Aside from music, Grubbs also makes a living as an actor on the hit show "One Tree Hill."
How is it?
Phenomenal. No doubt about it, this may arguably be one of the year's best releases. As the piano-pop genre continues to deflate, Grubbs and company just might be the ones to save it. Bristling with surging rockers ("Almost Everything," and "1876") and sprite see-saw singalongs ("Square Peg Round Hole" and "Twenty Two"} Almost Everything possesses a passion and a panache that is rarely found these days. When he tackles the more serious stuff, there's a tenderness and a sensitivity in his songcraft that's far too hard to emulate.
An admitted romantic at heart, Grubbs is most captivating on the sweetly affecting "Dance So Good," a McCartney-esque composition that's placid, pristine and damn near flawless. Other standouts include the shimmering closer "Take it Like a Man," and the chilling "Car Crash." Backed by a palette of strings and horns, Almost Everything is a triumphant, forward-thinking and near perfect effort. With a disc this good, the piano-pop genre just might have its new hero.
Great review, my friend. I will give the album a whirl.
I don't think it's necessarily dying, it's just become derivative. I like The Fray and Snow Patrol and all, but I have to admit they do get far too analogous after awhile. At least Keane went somewhere different on their new record. That's what makes this disc so special. It takes a few chances and goes a few places most people wouldn't.
I don't think it's necessarily dying, it's just become derivative. I like The Fray and Snow Patrol and all, but I have to admit they do get far too analogous after awhile. At least Keane went somewhere different on their new record. That's what makes this disc so special. It takes a few chances and goes a few places most people wouldn't.
I have only recently gotten into this particular genre which is why I was surprised and saddened by the statement. I'm not a fan of The Fray. Can't help but find that the vocals are incredibly annoying. Snow Patrol's decent, and I love Coldplay (and I'm not gay haha). I like Keane also, but haven't had the chance to listen to their new record. Are you talking about Perfect Symmetry?
The name of this band prevented me from checking them out when I saw this disc come in our new releases box to put out at work. But seeing this review and the RIYL I will be now
Every time I see the reviews posted on AP I check for your name, and sure enough, you've delivered another great one. I will absolutely be checking this album out.
And to echo kidchino - I'm really not a fan of the name and that might have prevented me from what sounds like an otherwise phenominal record.
Every time I see the reviews posted on AP I check for your name, and sure enough, you've delivered another great one. I will absolutely be checking this album out.
And to echo kidchino - I'm really not a fan of the name and that might have prevented me from what sounds like an otherwise phenominal record.
Don't let the name mislead you. Just as an FYI, I did an interview with him, it's in the interview section. It might give you some more insight into his approach as a songwriter. Funnily enough the interview got cut off due to time constraints, but my one question was going to be about the name. I guess in due time I'll find out. Also, thanks so much for the kind words. Truly appreciate it. It's very humbling to hear such high praise. I am truly floored.