J.P. Cregan "Man Overboard"

ESPN basketball writer John Cregan’s alter ego, J.P. Cregan has put together a stellar collection of pop songs. And he’s no rookie either, having been guitarist for alt. country band Parklane Twin. With the help of Highland Park-based wunderkind-ace producer Nik Freitas, J.P. opens with “Carolyn (The Pledge Drive)” a very Nick Lowe-ish styled pub rock with a hint of country. The smooth “Count to Three” is like Glen Tilbrook at his catchiest, with a jaunty piano and guitar melody. The Elvis Costello/Marshall Crenshaw influence is all over the album (and J.P.’s vocals are very similar) but it works best on “Barbara is Strange” and I wonder out loud why those rock “legends” don’t write like this anymore. The jangle guitar and chorus makes “Atmosphere” a real pop delight. More gems here are the chiming “Jeni” and “Miss Highland Park” with hand claps and minor chords that will have you playing air guitar in no time. A few ballads here don’t spoil the party either, as “Searched For Me” and the title track aren’t as memorable, but still highly listenable without a filler in sight. This is high quality pop that really rocks and deserves a top ten for 2009 nod. What else can I say but “Man Overboard” is a Slam Dunk (pun intended – ouch).

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