Press & Reviews

Calendar January 6, 1999
Block
Timing Is Everything
Capitol/Java

In his nicotine-stained major debut, "anti-folk" artist Jamie Block points out the misfortunes and foibles of his fellow earthlings through aggressively propelled, occasionally technologized pop. A longtime New Yorker, Block has obviously seen a great deal in his life and has formed strong opinions about most of it. "I Used to Manage P.M. Dawn" snaps at the hand that feeds through a wildly cynical poke at record industry types. "Third Mall From The Sun" holds a carnival mirror to hyper-marketed mankind. A veritable national anthem for the dependent, "Cigarettes, Prozac & Scotch," drowsily sings the praises of Block’s favorite vices. As Block himself admittedly advises in "Rhinoceros," "Think poppy. Think catchy." On the musically milder side, Block offers the mellow hitchhiker’s tale "I-95," the rootsy story-song "Sick of Life," the Pearl Jam-y observation "LBG," the touching portrait "Queen of 5th Street," and a slightly looped take on the Perry Como favorite "Catch A Falling Star." Though not always the cleanest album, "Timing" is tight, important and definitely well-timed.

Matthew S. Robinson