Gary Calamar – Odd Numb3rs and Slanted Rhymes

Gary Calamar’s debut full-length, Odd Numb3rs and Slanted Rhymes, gathers more than a decade of hook-rich songwriting into one cohesive collection. Soon to be released on Big Stir Records, the album compiles material spanning his 2014 Atlantic EP through recent singles with several brand new tracks. The result is clever guitar-pop that balances Tom Petty-style choruses and power-chord punch with storytelling with a NY style – think Lou Reed or Willie Deville.

Highlights include the opener, “The Prince of Pico Boulevard”, the jittery machine-pop of “I Got An Idea” (featuring Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh), and the up-tempo, psychedelic-tinged “Who Are We Gonna Be Today?”. Robyn Hitchcock’s harmonies mesh effortlessly with Calamar’s lead on this one.

“Giddy” is an irresistible number while thoughtful songs such as “Rough Patch” and “Minimum Day” reveal a more vulnerable side to the songwriter. “She’s so Mid-Century” explodes out of the gate – and any mention of Ann Margaret is a hit with me. The grinding “Looking For a Job” captures the helpless feeling of a tedious search. Sequenced like a radio set—rockers alternating with ballads—Grammy award winning producer John Would makes the record feel both nostalgic and freshly vital.

For listeners who like clever, unpretentious pop rooted in the 80’s yet stamped with a personal touch, this is a really satisfying listen. While the official release date is October 23, you can pre-order your copy at the Big Stir Bandcamp page. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED