Butterscott
Throwing Meatloaf At The Sun (2004, Rev-Ola)(4.2/5)

Butterscott is comprised of one Jonathan Scott. Apparently this fella has been around the pop scene for years, lingering about on the renowned Poptones and Creation labels. We should all know what having Mr. McGee as a supporter can do for one's name. However, this album finds its way into the archives of Rev-Ola, home to many notable power-pop, psyche, garage luminaries.

The album itself is sprinkled with pop of all flavors. You name it, it's here. Mr. Scott wastes no time flexing his ability to implant a tune in your head with the opening sing-songy 'Bubblegum Man'. You'll find a few jangly, Byrds-ian numbers like 'He Is Very Pretty' & 'Fields Of Fields', AM pop 'Blow Pop Sun' & 'Dubblebubbledandylionluv', upbeat rockers 'Belated Birthday', even a slab of Middle Eastern tinged psyche-pop, 'America Sundae'.

At times the lyrical content can be downright ridiculous and silly. Scott bares his soul when providing us with an ode to exceptionally large manhood, 'Hung Like A Horse'. See 'Questionnaire', where he notes the world consists of questions everywhere you turn, including 'how big is Frank Black's derriere?' I am willing to forgive such antics (hopefully Mr. Black can) when set to such high quality sing-a-long pop.

This will most definitely appeal to fans of Syd Barrett ethos, Daniel Johnston, Tall Dwarfs (Chris Knox), They Might Be Giants or hell, even the Moldy Peaches. It's certainly not a thinking man's album of any sort but I wouldn't cast it off as a novelty affair either. Kudos to Rev-ola/Cherry Red and Butterscott for a fine presentation!

-Beat 5/11/05