Giddy Up

Album Review

After striking out on his own from previous work with the Odds, as well as Sharkskin, this album is a logical progression of what might have been — still pop-oriented songs but with a hip-hop feel. From the opening sampling and beats in "Take a Hit off This" to the funk of the title track and the slow groove of "After Walking in Space," the songs still maintain the witty lyrics, sweet harmonies, and smart sensibilities. The album's second half tends to go back to more familiar pop sounds in the quirky "Famous Grave" and "Old Mistakes." If there's any knock against the album, it's perhaps that it comes off as a bit short at under a half-hour. Nonetheless, it should provide a snapshot of future projects.