Notes
LINUS OF HOLLYWOOD TRIANGLE FRANKLIN CASTLE Triangle is an apt title for the latest work from Los Angeles-based Linus of Hollywood. Not only is it his third release-following 1999's Your Favorite Record and 2001's Let Yourself Be Happy-but, more importantly, the entire CD is constructed upon the triad of expertly constructed melody, clever wordplay, and raw emotional honesty. The end result is nothing short of brilliant-imagine a melding of Paul McCartney's melodic sunshine with Chris von Sneidern's pop craftsmanship and Glenn Tilbrook's wry sense of humor and you'll begin to get the picture. Better yet, listen for yourself. "When Are We Gonna Do It?" ("Let's cut the talk and let this sordid affair begin") is easily the best cynical love song so far this century. Wondermint Probyn Gregory earns most valuable backing player honors here-his horns add some zest to the track, as well as to "The Sun Feels Good on My Face" and "Let's Just Stay in Bed All Day." Elsewhere, the emotional honesty of "(It Might Be) Too Late for Us" is compelling, while the infectiously energetic "How Do I Do It Every Day?" offers a sarcastic glimpse into the daily life of a "rock star." On the stripped down "I'll Get Through It," Linus is backed by an acoustic guitar and a few lonely, lovely strings. The end product is as emotionally raw as it is stunningly beautiful. In the fade of the jangly, up-tempo "Do You Know What I'm Thinking," Linus inserts a tantalizingly brief snippet of a particularly tasty George Harrison-esque slide guitar line. It leaves one hungry for more: here's to hoping that a fourth serving from this undeservedly unsung supertalent is soon in coming. -- Rick Schadelbauer, Amplifier Magazine Linus is a firebrand stamp of soft pop genius. All Linus' albums are filled with sunny AM-infused keyboard-based power pop, Linus' vocals are reminiscent of Gilbert O'Sullivan (an musical influence, as well) and the music is a potpourri of light-ly breaded pop for fans of The Nines, Lovin' Spoonful, The Left Banke, Jellyfish will gobble this modern day miracle: a record totally contemporary but dispatching the flair of genius past. Think Wondermints digging on Michael Brown instead of Bacharach. Or XTC eating lunch w/ Simon and Garfunkel and Stealers Wheel. Or.....well, David Bash, writer for countless zines and literary pop visionary has this: 'some definite Jellyfish influences, and a childlike charm and purity on many of the tracks that Brian Wilson/Wondermints fans would definitely appreciate.' Truly one of the more special artists in pop music. 'Triangle' is one of the best records of the year. -- Not Lame Records On his third album, Triangle, Linus of Hollywood fulfills his ambition to be Gilbert O'Sullivan incarnate. Well, if that isn't his ambition, it oughta be. Great work, my boy! -- David Bash, Pop Music Journalist, Founder/CEO: The International Pop Overthrow Festival.
