This came out in 1999 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Whoda thunk it? Like the coal miner’s kid who turns out to be a violin virtuoso, Tal Bachman — scion of blue-collar rock thumper Randy — turns out to be some sort of pop prodigy.
Make that Britpop prodigy; his impressive debut release is a veritable tribute album to the slick, stylish sounds of ’70s British rock — soulful David Bowie vocals with Queen-style harmonies, catchy Kinks melodies with rollicking Who drums and synths, lush ELO orchestrations and even the occasional glam-rock affectation. He sure didn’t pick this up from listening to the old man’s records.
