jeffrey foskett: stars in the sand. review by alan haber. buhdge

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Stars in the Sand Jeffrey Foskett The Pop Collective (2004) Why Jeffrey Foskett isn't a household name, on the lips of every discerning fan of melodic music, is beyond me. It's really that simple: Foskett's seemingly effortless albums abound with pure pop pleasures. His melodic gifts are unparalleled; his singing is practically angellic; and his mastery of the pop form is second to none. This collection, Foskett's first released in the United States on a label other than New Surf, and his spot in Brian Wilson's band, will hopefully combine to raise Foskett's awareness level among lovers of good music, pop or not. Foskett is a national treasure; hell, he's a musical treasure, and that means here in the United States and anywhere else you might care to mention. The pair of rarities on offer here (there's an alternate version of "Living Alone," and a demo of "The Mystery of Moonlight," released in finished form on Robert Lamm's Subtlety and Passion album) is the collective hook for longtime Foskett fans, and a wonderful bonus for people new to the artist's magical gifts. Foskett's liner notes, informative from head to toe, are another draw. And the packaging, with the nifty slipcase and cool cover shot of kids at the beach, is classy. The music, from the obvious Beach Boys homage "Thru My Window" to the gorgeous, more contemporary Bill Lloyd/David Surface cowrite "Cool and Gone," is aces all around. Foskett's lush take, with Beach Boys brush strokes abounding, of the Carpenters classic "Hurting Each Other" is a particular highlight; Foskett was the person who told me the original was done by Chad Allan and the Expressions (who went on to become the Guess Who, of course, a particularly cool piece of factoidmania to have in one's pocket). The cute, poppy "Fish!" was a number three hit for Foskett in Japan, and exudes all kinds of charm. The a cappella version of Neil Sedaka's "Laughter in the Rain" is killer, just tremendous, absolutely fabulous. And so on. (Just one question: Where is the brilliant take on Marmalade's "Reflections of My Life," which originally appeared on Cool and Gone, (Gone, Gone)?) Need I go on? No, of course not. Foskett is king. Just get Stars in the Sand, will you? Alan Haber November 27, 2004
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Stars in the Sand
Jeffrey Foskett
The Pop Collective (2004)

jeffrey foskett's stars in the sand Why Jeffrey Foskett isn't a household name, on the lips of every discerning fan of melodic music, is beyond me. It's really that simple: Foskett's seemingly effortless albums abound with pure pop pleasures. His melodic gifts are unparalleled; his singing is practically angellic; and his mastery of the pop form is second to none.

This collection, Foskett's first released in the United States on a label other than New Surf, and his spot in Brian Wilson's band, will hopefully combine to raise Foskett's awareness level among lovers of good music, pop or not. Foskett is a national treasure; hell, he's a musical treasure, and that means here in the United States and anywhere else you might care to mention.

The pair of rarities on offer here (there's an alternate version of "Living Alone," and a demo of "The Mystery of Moonlight," released in finished form on Robert Lamm's Subtlety and Passion album) is the collective hook for longtime Foskett fans, and a wonderful bonus for people new to the artist's magical gifts. Foskett's liner notes, informative from head to toe, are another draw. And the packaging, with the nifty slipcase and cool cover shot of kids at the beach, is classy.

The music, from the obvious Beach Boys homage "Thru My Window" to the gorgeous, more contemporary Bill Lloyd/David Surface cowrite "Cool and Gone," is aces all around. Foskett's lush take, with Beach Boys brush strokes abounding, of the Carpenters classic "Hurting Each Other" is a particular highlight; Foskett was the person who told me the original was done by Chad Allan and the Expressions (who went on to become the Guess Who, of course, a particularly cool piece of factoidmania to have in one's pocket). The cute, poppy "Fish!" was a number three hit for Foskett in Japan, and exudes all kinds of charm. The a cappella version of Neil Sedaka's "Laughter in the Rain" is killer, just tremendous, absolutely fabulous. And so on. (Just one question: Where is the brilliant take on Marmalade's "Reflections of My Life," which originally appeared on Cool and Gone, (Gone, Gone)?)

Need I go on? No, of course not. Foskett is king. Just get Stars in the Sand, will you?

Alan Haber
November 27, 2004