TOOTHPICK
Time Travelin' Couch (Empire Musicwerks)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

---

I like this CD. My wife likes this CD. My kids also like it. There's something about Toothpick's music that sticks in your memory and replays itself inside your head long after the CD player is off. His music is hard to classify; it's a combination of rap, blues, folk, pop, and funk driven by Toothpick's good acoustic guitar riffs. The majority of the music is light, airy, and upbeat. A few of the songs have an angry tone to them, but Toothpick's laid-back approach mitigates the indignation.

Toothpick, who's real name is Doug Ray, was with the band Bad Ronald at one time. Since that time he's chosen to go solo and is quickly finding his groove. The opening song, "Time Travelin' Couch," is a wonderful blend of lyrics and music that hooks the listener. From there, the CD maintains its momentum. Many of the arrangements are enticing. For example, "Super Size Me" from the movie of the same name, is a favorite of the entire family. It's a thoughtful yet unpretentious song that holds up well after successive listens (the kids played this one repeatedly). Due to mature themes of drug use, a few of the songs, such as "High Life," aren't for the youngest members of the family. However, that's nit picking. Toothpick's blend of acoustic driven blend of hip-hop and other musical genres is infectious. Check it out!

© 2005 - Ron Saranich