I’m not sure if you can be quirky and yet mainstream at the same time but that is the trick that Saint Mad have pulled off with their album “Waiting To Start”. Maybe it is something in the water in Philadelphia?
Let’s talk about being mainstream now. There are songs here that would easily fit into the soundtrack of Disney’s latest cartoon blockbuster with “I See Myself in You” fitting the bill as the love duet between two talking – or should that singing? – fish. Nothing wrong with being wholesome, of course, but there is a subtle undercurrent of subversion to consider. That’s the kind of thing that Randy Newman did well and the songs on this album likewise reward reinspection. “God Gives You Want”, as an example, skilfully mixes the wry and the wholesome and “Wish” is practically a homage to Mr Newman. In a welcome move, Saint Mad don’t follow the same path throughout and the neo jazz cool of ““O Sweet Spontaneous” makes for a particularly welcome diversion.
Credit has also to be given to the standard of musicianship displayed here. I am sucker for horns so I would be happy anyway but the neatly understated performances of all involved impress (with Martha Michael’s vocals warming my heart most…). You can tell that they aren’t beginners.
I was less impressed with the rather pedestrian if earnest covers of “Across The Universe” and “Over The Rainbow”. Nonetheless, ten out of twelve is a good going so a pass mark is therefore awarded.
Available from CD Baby.