Dick Prall
Fizzlebuzzie

(White Rose)

First Appeared in The Music Box, March 2006, Volume 13, #3

Written by T.J. Simon

Chicago singer-songwriter Dick Prall has risen from the ashes of his defunct band the Starch Martins to create a decidedly more reserved but no less enjoyable solo album in the spirit of Matthew Sweet, Rhett Miller, and Freedy Johnston. Prall’s oddly-named effort Fizzlebuzzie begins with Great Admirer, an unassuming little tune that explodes at the two-minute mark with a dizzying cacophony of horns and harmonies that’s difficult to shake. Barely Moving is another standout track, and its infectious hook is draped with acoustic guitar fireworks and a delicious string accompaniment from former Verbow cellist Alison Chesley. Even the duller numbers on the disc, such as Grand Marquee and Copperhead Town, are well-executed, though it helps that they also are counterbalanced by wondrous pop gems like Book of Songs. Now that he has shed the artistic compromises that go hand-in-hand with being in a band, Prall is able to define his own distinctive sound, and based upon the quality of Fizzlebuzzie, it’s clear that he’s on the right track. ½

Of Further Interest...

Mike Doughty - Golden Delicious

Chris Stills - Chris Stills / self-titled

Weezer - Weezer / The Blue Album [Deluxe Edition]

Ratings

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2006 The Music Box