blackleatherbookshelf | Sep. 23rd, 2010

Worth The Wait
4 Out of 5 Stars

I am always stunned when albums of this caliber get left by the wayside. Pop-Confectionist extraordinaire Jason Falkner first released "I'm Ok, You're Ok" overseas in 2007, yet no US label saw fit to issue it here until 2010. And yet, this album all but bursts with sugary hooks, catchy choruses and gleeful singing. I am now able to listen to this in Philadelphia without paying an extortionist import price.

Thankfully, the patience was worth it. Falkner must have been saving these songs up, as each and everyone clicks with the power-pop thrills of his pedigree bands Jellyfish and Three O'Clock. You'll hear the traces of Paul McCartney, The Kinks, Todd Rundgren at his poppiest, and hosts of 80's power-poppers ("Stephanie Tells Me" is like a sister song to Material Issue's "Valerie Loves Me"). There's a joyous ode to finding freedom in "NYC," a killer boy-band in waiting hit called "Runaway," and an opening track that cloaks his frustration in a chocolate bar ("This Time").

How he makes it sounds so effortless is amazing to me. Like his classic solo debut "Author Unknown," Falkner spins together influences so seamlessly that you can merely sit back and let them wash over you. Likely while whistling along.