ROBB BENSON
De Stella Nova - 15 New Songs (Roam Records)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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On Benson's solo CD, with the exception of one song, "The Next Millionaire," he handles all the instruments. Aside from that song which was recorded by uber-engineer Johnny Sangster, this was all recorded on a Tascam 8-track digital recorder. As the title suggests, it presents 15 new songs in a style not dissimilar to Dear John Letters, though a little more subdued in nature. The songs are more melancholy, too, not that it's a bad thing. Benson is obviously a prolific and good songwriter, and many of these songs are real gems. Benson is joined by his "muse" and (I'm assuming) romantic partner, Amanda Mae who adds sweet duet vocals to "To The Underdogs." The only song on this I really don't like is "Fantastic Rollercoaster," due mainly to the cheesy drum machine used on it. The rest of this is all really good.

[Pick this up at CDBaby.]

© 2003 - Alan Wright