MAN OF THE YEAR
New and Greater Tokyo (Tiny Beat Records)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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The busybody, hard rocking sounds on Man of the Year's album New and Greater Tokyo should have all the stuff of an up and coming indie stalwart. It would seem that the achievement of a driven, crunching brand of guitar rock sound would be an indispensable recording when actually Man of the Year is the sort of band that you'd have no problem with waiting in the latrine line during their set. A few songs in, and a precarious and risky conversation with that guy leering at you nearby seems to be a relief.

Amid the vast array of club rock outfits, it takes one thing or another to distinguish an act while in the close proximity of its confederates: a hook, some ironic aplomb, or - gasp at the thought! - an exceedingly unique talent to mark your efforts. Man of the Year's album A New and Greater Tokyo doesn't really have any of those things. There is no reason to dislike them, or what they're doing, while on the other hand, no real cause to hoist their flag in adoration.

© 2005 - Erick Mertz