Amazon.com Sincere but not too sincere, cute but not gorgeous, and smart enough to know to steal from the very best, former skateboard pro Matt Costa signed to surfer Jack Johnson's label on the strengths of some very workman-like pop songs and a smooth, appealing voice. Goldilockses of the world are bound to find Costa's unassuming songs just right--and if his work fails to find its way onto the soundtracks of all the hottest television shows, there is little justice in the world. Costa may croon that "These are the songs that I sing/To make the day better," but these really aren't songs so much as they're rock & roll equations. The dude combines the anglophilic sonority of Belle & Sebastian and Donovan with a taste of Elliott Smith's gorgeous downer vibe, heaping doses of the Beatles thrown in throughout. It's pleasantly chiming enough stuff to be sure: it'll just be far more interesting to see what happens once Costa has worked his way through his influences. --Mike McGonigal
Customer Reviews:
WonderfulOctober 22, 2008 Barbara S All I really have to say is: "Sunshine"
It just makes you happy...
Fountains of Wayne ContinuesAugust 12, 2008 Gerardo Martinez Casas(San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico) now in the tradition of Island Kool . Not bad for a 4 weeler with talent and a nack for pop ... Songs we Sang ...
Sunny Summer Days in a BoxMay 31, 2008 Katie Yarbrough(California) This cd is perfect for driving down the highway (preferably in a convertible) or for lounging in the backyard, having a barbeque. The sweet strumming of the guitar just makes me happy. It also makes me want to dance around and run through meadows. Some of my favorites: "Cold December" and "Yellow Taxi."
Easy and InspiringMarch 27, 2008 Cece(on the brink of sanity) I saw Matt Costa opening for Jack Johnson a few years ago and was impressed. My friend bought his independent release of this album (with Whiskey and Wine on it!) and I heard him playing it in his car a few times. I liked his music but wasn't totally enthralled until I bought the CD myself (mostly just because my friends all had it) and as I listened multiple times to it, I fell in LOVE. Every song is so interesting and different. Astair is my favorite song, then Sweet Rose, then Sunshine. At first I didn't like Ballad of Miss Kate but now I do. I can sing along with "I Tried" and so that is why I enjoy that one. I have a terrible singing voice but for reason beyond me I can sing this song! "Behind the Moon" is also quite addictive. This is a wonderful cd, better than Unfamiliar Faces, in my opinion. The first is usually the best for many artists. But I hope Matt continues sending us happy music to brighten our days!
Can't take it out of my CD playerJanuary 10, 2008 Chelsea B. Perkins(Portland, Or) I bought this album based solely on the fact that I have yet to hear an artist signed by Brushfire that I don't like. I listened to it once in passing and thought it mediocre at best. I popped it in my CD player in my car on a roadtrip open to giving it another try and now I am ABSOLUTELY HOOKED! The songs are catchy and beautiful. Everytime I take it out and/or play the radio I end up popping it back in. I've got over 200 CDs in my car and I've been playing this and only this for over a week now....
