Review: Derrick Anderson – A World Of My Own
Every once in a while someone or something comes out of left field and really surprises you. Such is the case with Derrick Anderson and his new album entitled A World Of My Own. Not only are the songs very strong but the supporting cast is quite literally a who’s who of 80’s and 90’s power pop. The results are first rate.
Before listening to A World of My Own, I knew Derrick Anderson primarily for his outstanding work as bassist for one of my favorite LA powerpop bands, Chewy Marble. Or as the touring bassist for The Bangles. The opening track, “Send Me Down a Sign” acts as reassurance that Anderson can really write a hook. “Waiting For You” is a powerful tune that upon first listen will have you saying to yourself, “this is the best Smithereens song that isn’t a Smithereens song”. That is, until you read the liner notes. Anderson is joined my Jim Babjak, Pat Dinizio, Severo Jornacion and Dennis Diken for this one. Ed Stasium (Ramones) mixed this one, giving it even more punch. This is one of my favorite tracks of 2017.
The horn arrangements and vocals give “You Don’t Have To Hurt No More” a bit of a Squeeze vibe to it. Robbie Rist, Dennis Taylor of The Records, Nelson Bragg and The Bangles join Anderson on “Something New”. Matthew Sweet turns up on “Happiness” along with Taylor again. “My Prediction” is another catchy one with a positively lovely melody and lots of guitar jangle courtesy of Tommy Keene.
There are highlights toward the end of the disc, too. “Stop Messing About” is absolute fun. The guitar of The Records’ Dennis Taylor is stellar once again, but the song itself is pure Beatle-esque charm. ”When I Was Your Man” enlists the Petersons and Kim Shattuck of The Muffs and the resulting vocal landscape is killer. Debbi Peterson does double duty on drums and backing vocals and Dennis Taylor adds his and you thought Huw Gower was good expert guitar work, making this another wonderful track.
Derrick Anderson A World Of My Own is highly recommended. You can get the CD at Kool Kat Musik or the digital version at Amazon.com.
