Shane Barry takes a template from Motown’s sound and adds his own white boy soul, a la Rolling Stones to the entire affair with his band The Distractions. A perfect example here has “Stop” takes a little of Stevie Wonder’s “Alright” and the Stone’s “Under My Thumb” mixed together to perfection. This seems like the best musical detour since The New Radicals tried to do it ten years ago. But band breaks that mold right away, as Barry takes on McCartney’s Wings with the compelling “Kites.” The group plays on a multitude of instruments to get the right sound. That means plenty of brass, percussion along with piano/organ and guitars. “Like I Told You So” is a wonderful track with a compelling chorus full of “Ba, ba, ba, da, da” and commanding piano lead. There is an old school warmth to the music and Barry’s vocals range from Mick’s growl to Ben Folds sarcastic everyman. “A Man Called Gerald” is a good Ben Folds’ styled song with lots of tempo changes and catchy hooks, and man those saxophone breaks! Things slow down on the “Strangest Hours” and “The World Won’t Stop” maybe a bit too much, as he croons “Things have run it’s course…” before the song picks up in tempo and energy for the chorus. Then it’s back to the energy of “There’s No Time” which recalls Joe Jackson a bit. Overall an interesting album done with superb craftsmanship, as evidenced by the free form pop of the six minute opus “The Finest Line.” There is more than enough here to keep serious pop fans happy.
