In the early 90's grunge music was getting ready to take over the world. Hidden among all of it was a diamond in the rough. A power pop band called Jellyfish. Formed in San Francisco in 1990 by Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning Jr. They started recording songs after their previous band Beatnik Beatch broke up. They enlisted the help of Jason Falkner and Roger's brother Chris. Though he wouldn't be playing on the album, they gave him credit when it came to the press and live shows.
The Band:
Andy Sturmer - Drums/Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards
Roger Manning Jr - Harpsichord/Keyboards/Piano/Vocals/Backing Vocals
Jason Falkner - Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Bellybutton was the bands first release.
The album opens with "The Man I Used to Be" a lowkey but by all means a great way to introduce what is to come. "That is Why" follows and displays the bands amazing harmonies, as well as Falkners guitar playing.
"The King if Half-Undressed" plays an ode to the Beatles and does a great job at it by adding twisted lyrics. A definante highlight on the album. "I Wanna Stay Home" slows the band down in tempo and presents a mellow rainy day vibe to the album. The next song is "She Still Loves Him". Beginning with a bluesy piano part by Roger, it suddenly jumps into a steady drum beat by Andy and guitar by Jason. Andy recites a bitter lovesong about a girl still in love even though her lover is ridden with problem. Jason shows some impressive guitar work in a solo that was the result of a heated argument with Andy about the arrangement of the song.
The band speeds things up a bit with "All Want Is Everything". This is probably the weakest song on the album in my opinion. After hearing the other songs on the album, this kind of sounds like your average pop rock song. With nothing to surprising to it. "Now She Knows She's Wrong" redeems itself. It brings things back to that standard that all the other songs have.been at. Roger proves that he's talented in yet another instrument by playing the Harpsichord. This is one of the highlights of the album.
"Bedspring Kiss" slows the band down again and carries a Jazz lounge feel to it yet has a somber feel as well. The album comes to an end with the song "Baby's Coming Back" and "Calling Sarah". Both display the bands musicianship to the fullest. Brilliant choruses and catchy hooks make this album a must have for any power pop fan.
Final Rating: 4.5/5
