PHIL ANGOTTI & THE IDEA
G. Elvis Is Still Alive (Jam Records)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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It is quite evident from the outset of G. Elvis Is Still Alive that Phil Angotti and his group live up to their name - they do indeed have an idea. Unlike a slew of others like them - independent artists, pressing vague concept records - there is actually a strong conceptual backbone throughout the brief set of eight pop songs. Angotti is a good guitar player with an angelic, knee weakening voice, and similar praise should be laid upon his backing band.

What is lacking on G. Elvis Is Still Alive however are songs with a quality becoming the band's talent. The title track is plain - not good or bad, but plain and the same can be said for the others. Phil Angotti sounds hauntingly like Paul McCartney on his version of "Eleanor Rigby" but this cover of a Beatles standard isn't enough. The Idea is possessing of ample talent to create their own standards, but none of them appear here.

[Pick this up at www.philangotti.com.]

© 2003 - Erick Mertz