Curt Mychael

Wisconsin-based Curt Mychael (http://www.curtmychael.com) produces pop in the classic sense of the word. In other words, his idea of pop music isn't really what you hear too often on commercial radio today, that type of artificially sweetened and soulless rubbish. Rather, Mychael aims for the crystalline melodicism of the Beatles, Billy Joel, and Todd Rundgren. Pretty stellar comparisons for such a youthful looking man, but the similarities cannot be denied.

The upbeat keyboards and sing-along chorus of "Sunnyside" ("I'm gonna search every corner for you/I'm gonna find the Sunnyside of you") establishes Mychael's playful craftsmanship. It's a happy tune that the world would appreciate it right now in these days of economic turmoil and war fatigue. Mychael proves that the purpose of pop music isn't to promote materialistic goals; it's to put a smile on our faces. "Bones," the most engaging track on the CD, rocks slightly harder, reminiscent of Matthew Sweet's retro-rock bubblegum of the early '90s. The hook-laden guitar riffs on "Bones"would've slain AOR stations a few decades ago before all of the noise took over.

Mychael's slower numbers, such as "My Moon Your Sun" and the piano ballad "My Life," echo the influence of Duncan Sheik, who has seemed to have slipped from the radar the past couple of years. However, Mychael is more versatile than Sheik and many of the male singer/songwriters active today. "Florence Knows" is silky, sophisticated FM pop a la Steely Dan while "Circus Nite" has the twisted sway of the Eels. Every cut here has something going for it, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mychael landing on a few radio charts soon with impeccable songs like these.
- Whisperin & Hollerin (UK)

Curt Mychael - Sketches In Time
2008, Curt Mychael

Curt Mychael has a gift for writing crisp, clear pop songs. The Milwaukee-based Berklee College Of Music grad steps up with his debut CD, Sketches In Time, full of gooey pop goodness in the vein of McCartney or Folds.

Sketches In Time opens with Sunnyside, a McCartney-esque pop tune with a great melody and a great sense of motion. It's just flat out a great pop song. Bones is a southern rock flavored tune that would fit right in of the old AOR radio format. It's another song with great pop sensibilities. Mychael continues this trend on Could Be You. Don't be fooled by the acoustic guitars, this is pop daydream material. Mychael changes things up on Florence Knows, a more melodic, melancholy rocker than the first three songs on the disc. There remains the tremendous sense of melody that is evident from the start of Sketches in Time, but there is definitely a darker tone here. Maybe continues the more melancholy lean with a mellow rocker that seems to want to break out in the pop magic that Mychael appears to be capable of, but stays wrapped up in complex emotions.

My Moon Your Sun is a quirky love song that's a mix tape pick
that retains the almost melancholy feel of much of Sketches In Time. Be sure to check out Something New, a vibrant return to the peppy pop gold that just seems to want to pour out of Mychael at every instant. And make some time to really listen to The Bay. Curt Mychael may have found his magnum opus here. This is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs you're likely to hear in the near future. I can't recommend this song highly enough. It's the sort of song that could turn a singer-songwriter into a legend. Other highlights include the wonderfully bizarre Circus Nite, You Don't Love Me Anymore and Goodbye Baby.

Curt Mychael has a gift. The ability to write near-perfect pop songs without falling prey to pop gimmicks or chart envy is rare. If early indications hold true, Curt Mychael might be a songwriter on the level of a Paul McCartney. It's high praise, I know, but listen to the CD and you'll see what I mean. Curt Mychael seems to vacillate between upbeat pop and aesthetic melancholy. His concerts must be a wonderful rollercoaster, the sort of performance that mimics the same ups and downs that life brings. Curt Mychael illuminates life as we all know it on the aptly named Sketches In Time. You'll see some of yourself in each sketch; hear the voices of loved ones in each song. Don't pass this one by.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Curt Mychael at http://www.curtmychael.com/ or www.myspace.com/curtmychael. You can purchase a copy of
Sketches In Time at www.cdbaby.com/cd/curtmychael. - Wildy's World

Editor's Pick:

Curt Mychael is able to put together extremely catchy and upbeat songs. But don't be fooled into thinking this is typical pop-rock fare. The underlying nature of Mychael's music is rooted in classics like The Beatles. What I found cool about the music on Sketches in Time is that he doesn't rub your nose in it. Like any craftsman, he's taken the best elements of his influences and shaped them into his own sound.

Mychael's music is very likable. He's written on his MySpace that he is currently writing music for his next record. I can't wait to hear what he comes up with next.
- Type 3 Media