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Todd Stadtman: Only I Can Save You
[Prix Five]

Todd Stadtmans Only I Can Save You is almost quirky to a fault.  So sterile and synthetic is it that you would swear Garbage was a live band.  Drum loops, keyboards and all sorts of noises dominate his record.  Its not the most romantic pop album (its too off-beat for that), but something tells me that he thinks it is.  Surely you can hear his talent here, but one can sense a limited audience getting it.

Then again, its hard not to look past just how disengaging this record is.  Take String of Pearls for example, a light techno-inspired song with whispered vocals.  Is it a bad song?  No, its well-constructed and not exactly unpleasant, but it had me thinking of R.E.M.s most experimental album, Up, which had similar-sounding songs that were so much warmer, more inviting, even prettier.  Is it Stadtmans fault that he doesnt sound like Michael Stipe or that he cant paint as good an atmosphere as Peter Buck and Mike Mills?  No, and like I said, hes talented; and perhaps Im wrong for thinking he should sound prettier.  Bottom line: hes capable, but imagine all those English synth bands from the 80s singing esoteric pop, minus the hooks.  Its a bit boring.  Yeah, hes made some good art, but man, sometimes I just want some Tenderness.

This album can be purchased at Amazon

Todd Stadtman Official Website

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