This was a very hyped release – and for good reason. It isn’t the second coming of The Jellyfish, but it’s pretty damn close. The opening number “SOOMA (All this Vision)” is pure genius. My imagination runs wild with this humorous take on corporate hubris. To me, it’s the opening number in “Steve Jobs, The Musical” and will run through your head for weeks. “Frobisher’s Last Stand” has the perfect hooks and minor chords that take the Jellyfish/XTC sound to a new level. This track also reminds me of the latest Honeydogs album. The McCarnety light flavor of “Jesus Wants My Soul Back” then leads to “Bipolar Diversions” which is such a massive mash-up of melodies that it would make 10cc blush. “My little Gangster” continues with equal parts Todd Rundgren, Styx and Queen. The production on the entire album is flawless as well. Like Bryan Scary’s album last year, you may give up trying to spot the influence and enjoy this carnival of sounds. Speaking of carnival, the goofy “Heimlich’s Manoeuvres” takes the concept a bit over the edge, like listening to Pink Floyd’s “The Trial” with another song slowly fading in. “Illuminati” is the note perfect missing track from Jellyfish’s “Split Milk.” My favorite track (it’s hard to pick) is “The End of The Party” a perfect mix of melodic hook and hard rock riff. Even the last track “Sleep” is a lullaby that Roger Manning could not have done better himself. Every track is relevatory, without any weakness and will have you crying for more. Thank you Willie Dowling, chief singer, songwriter and producer of “Bipolar Diversions,” one of the best of the year – easily.
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Couldn’t agree more. Few albums grab my ears from the get-go, but this one’s incredible all the way through. A very strong case for top album of 2007.