P.J. OLSSON
Words For Living (Columbia)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Believe the hype. P.J. Olsson is the next big thing. On Words for Living , his difficult sophomore record, Olsson proves he has the goods, delivering a clever, smashingly peppy pop album that brings fun back into the fold. Fun lyrics, fun beats, fun melodies. Fun. Remember Beck? That's right, music for sheer pleasure. A little folk, a little rock, a little soul, a little triphop, Olsson mixes genres into one irresistible aural lollipop. Best of all he has the elusive gift of the hook, scattering plenty of 'em at opportune moments. The results are a smattering of singles (if only radio was willing), you'll have trouble ditching from memory any time soon. Not that the kid isn't still stumbling, as proven on the pure oversentimetal drudgery schmaltz of the closing "Beautiful Woman." A blip easily overlooked next to brilliant slices of pop like the pot ode "Visine." Carry on boy.

© 2000 - John Sekerka