Money Mark - Brand New ByTomorrow

Mon 18th Jun, 2007 in Music Reviews

Money Mark probably pays his bills by tickling the ivory and ebony at the side of the stage as a vital member of the Beastie Boys entourage. His solo records are also well worth investigating, though there little trace of his Beastly work. On his own Mark sounds far closer to the wide-eyed pop of The Eels or Beck at his most subdued.

His first album, Mark’s Keyboard Repair, was largely a collection of studio noodling and instrumentals. This was followed by the excellent Push The Button, with the singles – œ_Hand In Your Head’_ and – œ_Tomorrow Will Be Like Today_’. Change is Coming featured a Latin influence, and roped in members of Ozomatli, but unfortunately Mark ditched the vocals and the instrumental album felt a little unfinished. He’s now signed to Jack Johnson’s Bushfire Records, but don’t worry he hasn’t started writing songs that to let surfer boys look – œsensitive’ when they’re trying to pick-up at the beach bonfire. The one track that Mr Johnson contributes to – the single – œ_Pick Up The Pieces_’ – also features bass from famed session musician Carol Kaye (Beach Boys, Dusty Springfield, David Axelrod) so your ears are more than compensated for his presence.

Even from a cursory look at the track listing this is a break up album, with song titles such as – œ_Pick Up The Pieces’, – œEveryday I Die a Little’, – œColor of Your Blues’_ and, of course, the album closer and title track - œBrand New By Tomorrow’. In the hands of a lesser performer and songwriter a break up album simply wallows with lyrics of self pity/righteousness and any thought of tune or melody lost under the weight of sour indulgence. With Brand New Money Mark has created some of his best work with an album that could trade tales of heartache with those other recent classics of the lovelorn sole artist; Ryan Adams’ Heartbreaker and Beck’s Sea Change.

- œRadiate Nothing’s Hawaiian lounge setting beautifully disguises Mark’s sweetly bitter lyrics.
/one of these days I’m gonna find someone to shine with/
/cause you radiate nothing/
Most of the lyrics continue with the maudlin pop, but if you’re not down with feeling down it won’t matter as Mark warms his blues with sweet summery sounds sure to warm your heart, broken or not. However this is a break up album so good that you may be tempted to find someone, anyone, to break up with just so that you can fully appreciate all the melancholy melodies.