Review: Pat Smith 'Goodbye Goodnight'
After listening to the first track of Pat Smith’s latest album, Goodbye Goodnight, It was clear that Smith has a hankering for crafting pop songs that feature both elements of 60s psychedelia and 00s pop punk. The opener “Morning News” features a honky sounding keyboard and tons of organ noodling.
On the third track, “The Courtship of Allison” the sonic atmosphere of the album changes from bright to dark and muddy. The song falls somewhere between Man Man and Primus. It is probably one of the more interesting tunes on the album. It is a shame that this song is followed by the title track, “Goodbye Goodnight.” On this track Smith goes for some grandeur statement that in many ways falls short of any lasting emotional impression. It is not that the song is horrible the production simply ruins it.
Most of the song’s on Goodbye Goodnight are very well written, but the production seems time and time again to get in the way. One of the most interesting moments on this album comes from, “Siamese Eyes,” which features a bouncy rhythm and lots of synthesizers. The music perfectly complements Smith’s lyrics, which he delivers in a style reminiscent of Billy Corgan.
Goodbye Goodnight is an album that features many quality ideas; the songwriting is certainly there and for the most part it shines. However, there are moments when the production qualities seem to overstay their welcome and it clouds the songs and drags them down.
Pat Smith on Reverb Nation: HERE
