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{ True Madness Magazine }
Music Reviews
Atom and His Package, Redefining Music
Hopeless 2001
By James Eddy
Who knew that someone could take inside jokes and drum machines and make something so damn hip and catchy? Though I have yet to pick up Atom's 2003 outing, Redefining Music still stands as classic goofy-synth-punk-pop, which really means that Atom stands in a class all his own. The records subject matter ranges from the card game triopoly ("Trump") to good bands breaking up ("For Franklin") to even politically incorrect sports team mascots ("If You Own the Washington Redskins, You're a Cock," the real gem of the whole album,) without coming off as forced or over-the-top cheesy.
While there are some misfires (first track "Undercover Funny" comes to mind,) the record does hold it's ground and makes sure that everyone knows that Atom, while amusing, also is respectable as a musician. While nothing is terribly challenging here, Atom redefines what the solo artist is capable of by arranging great songs and then putting them together. In other words, being solo doesn't mean you have to be Bob Dylan or even Dashboard. You can be Atom, and be fucking awesome. Sadly, he says he's going to be hanging the package up pretty soon, but here's hoping he reconsiders.
RATING: 4 out of 5
(Note: The linear notes on this one are great, and get the album an extra half star to get up to the 4.5 rating. Way to go Atom.)
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