Jim Boggia: Misadventures In Stereo

To call Jim Boggia's Misadventures in Stereo a smashing power-pop success almost seems like damning it with faint praise; that is, if you think the term “power pop” only encompasses a stylistic breadth that starts with the Raspberries and ends with the Romantics. However, if your definition extends instead to the somewhat more singer-songwriterly realms of Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Matthew Sweet, et al, it may start to make more sense. Especially when you discover that Boggia's last album featured contributions from L.A. pop cult-hero Emitt Rhodes and Mann herself.

The Philadelphia-based artist's third album makes no bones about its influences; “Listening to NRBQ” not only lives up to its title but even goes so far as to feature the Q's erstwhile leader, Big Al Anderson, on guitar. Elsewhere, echoes of the Beach Boys and Beatles abound. That said, Boggia is much more than simply the sum of his inspirations. His unerring melodic sensibilities canter in intriguing, unexpected directions through settings that match a musical sophisticate's knowledge of harmony with a pure popster's knack for gut-targeted hooks.

His voice doesn't do the material any harm, either; Boggia's possessed of a smooth, airy tenor that's shot through with soulfulness, enabling him to glide gracefully atop an elegantly arcing melody or deliver a visceral punch on one of the album's more rocking tracks. Misadventures in Stereo proves that its possible to pack a sharp pop bite and go deep into troubadour territory with surprising simultaneity.

***

Artist: http://www.jimboggia.com

Label: http://www.bluhammock.com

Audio: http//www.myspace.com/jimboggia

- July 29, 2008

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Who rated this album?

5 Responses

July 29, 2008 at 4:01 p.m.

rc cola

What an authentic, incredible talent, in a sea of mediocrity

July 30, 2008 at 8:32 a.m.

gs 91 nsx

Jim Boggia is clearly one of the most underrated performers in the pop/rock/singer songwriter field. WXPN, Philly's highly acclaimed radio station, has known about and supported Jim for years. He's following in the footsteps of his friend Aimee Mann by shunning the commercial popularity that could easily come if he tweaked a few things to please the record industry vultures. Check out his studio albums and his intimate solo accoustic shows.

July 30, 2008 at 7:41 p.m.

Keith Spring

A little clarification is in order: Al was never the leader, erstwhile or otherwise, of NRBQ, and would never have claimed to be. Al joined the band a few years after it originated, replacing Kenny Sheehan, who had briefly replaced the original guitarist, Steve Ferguson. The band never had a nominal leader, but Terry Adams would be the obvious choice if you had to pick one.

August 5, 2008 at 6:17 p.m.

mockstar

When was the last time I just put on a record and played it all the way through without skipping through tracks? This is that kind of record. It's been playing non-stop in our house all day. Man, do I love Jim Boggia's music. He's one of Philly's finest singers and songwriters.

August 9, 2008 at 1:25 a.m.

Ashley

Jim delivers his music from the heart. His live performances are interactive, fun and he has such a larger than life personality. The new CD is so honest and well-executed, it is a definite must buy.