MP3 MIKE BORGIA - ISSUES TO EGOS

10 glistening tracks providing Big choruses and retrospective lyrics with brilliance and honesty. The most highly anticipated release.

10 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, POP: Power Pop



Details:
Issues to Egos
Mike Borgia

Reviewed by: Josh Barr [Tue, May 23, 2006 @ 6:00:43 PM]

With a silky smooth voice, impressive range, and a firm grasp on truly witty songwriting to boot (something thatâs seemingly lost on many DIY singer/songwriters), Mike Borgia puts forth a nice little disc in Issues to Egos thatâs chock full of memorable hooks and simple-but-soothing guitar work. This, Borgiaâs third full-length and fourth overall release, showcases his knack for solid songwriting, as evidenced in the tight song structures and thoughtful lyricism that guides every track.

Letâs dive right in, shall we?

Issues to Egos is a compact offering featuring 10 tracks in just under 28 minutes. Donât think for a second that a memorable album canât be packed like a sardine can. The disc is more fulfilling and catchy than the majority of more popular present-day singer/songwritersâ work.

âLet You Downâ is thick with wit and hits its peaks with an oh-oh-a-oh hook that should snatch the listener at first listen, much like the heart string tugger âI Donât Have Time for Youâ will with its sing-a-long worthy chorus. More prominent guitar takes over in âWhen the Bombs Comeâ but still leaves plenty of room for Borgiaâs ranging hook. But before long, the axe is dropped for the olâ acoustic in âBoiling Hot Water,â which features the discâs most pleadingly urgent vocals. However, donât think for a second that this signals another wishy-washy, cry-for-me emo album. Borgia never lowers himself to whining, and manages to communicate the full range of emotions without ever pining or coming off as overly desperate.

The tempo kicks up for the lofty hooks of âIssues to Egosâ and drops down for âBlood & Moonlightâ to allow for Borgiaâs throaty speak-sing verses before lifting off once again forâ¦you guessed it, another catchy hook; only in this one if you listen closely, you can hear a trace of Chris Cornell in Borgiaâs voice when he elevates on âTake it as it COMESâ in the final group of choruses.

Flattering comparison aside, Issue to Egosâ missteps are few. The sporadic electronic elements in âLike Cement on Summers Dayâ donât really fit the inner workings of the song and the slightly honky-tonkish guitar work in âMisplaced" might be a bit hit-or-miss with certain listeners, but neither discrepancy really takes away from the fluidity and easygoing-yet-lively flow of the tracks. Itâs just downright good DIY pop with killer hooks. Given the proper exposure and marketing, and a bit of good olâ fashioned luck, Mike Borgia should get the exposure and credit he deserves.

But perhaps the best thing about Issues to Egos is that it features Mike Borgia -himself. Not some tight shirt ânâ wristband image or a self-serving cry-and-sleep-with-me agenda. Itâs honest. However, honesty doesnât always cut it. Especially in the music business where attention spans are short and seemingly programmed to adore the cliché. And here we have the dilemma. But if he were to get his band with him in the studio to record his next effort, stretch his songs out a bit and flesh his sound out with the added instrumentation, it may broaden his appeal even more. They say money makes the world go round. And consequently, it also allows for band accompaniment in the studio. But then again, thereâs something to be said for seeing just a man and his guitar captivate the massesâ¦. Ah but thatâs enough of me waxing philosophical.

Rating: 8.5/10

RI(Youâd)L: a welcome change from present-day popular emo; a more mature Dashboard Confessional; or, if you like Chris Cornellâs Euphoria Morning.

Perfect Soundtrack for: people-watching; rainy days on the porch; driving solo.

myspace.com/mikeborgia