The Land of Pure Imagination
[Cordless]
After years of beefing up the ole resume with the likes of Air, Beck, and his own Imperial Drag, Moog Cookbook and the beloved Jellyfish, this multi-instrumentalist decided to finally go solo with impressive results. The spirit of the latter San Francisco retro-popsters is quite prevalent throughout this disc, especially the occasionally child-like, Saturday morning vibe of Spilt Milk [Charisma-1993].
But without the input and participation of co-leader Andy Sturmer—who brought a bit more of a rock and roll attitude to the proceedings—it would be a little off the mark to suggest that this is what the third Jellyfish album would’ve sounded like, but it comes mighty close. Unfortunately, despite superb songs with appealing melodies, addictive choruses and first-rate playing, the album can at times make one long for a bit more oomph, while in other spots it veers dangerously close to Burt Bacharach territory.
That said, fans of Ben Folds, Todd Rundgren’s classic period (1970-72), and of course Jellyfish, will find very little to dislike about Manning’s initial solo outing.
(Note: Completists might want to seek out the Japanese
version—released there as 'Solid State Warrior'—which shares the bulk of the
songs on the US version but differs on three tracks. Then again, the deluxe US
version adds the three songs from the Japanese version as bonus tracks.)
Highlights: “Too Late For Us Now”, “Wish It Would Rain”, “You Were Right”, the title track.
Originally released March 5, 2005.
