Ken Sharp, the power pop maestro who's previously brought us terrific records such as 1301 Highland Avenue and Beauty in the Backseat, has just released his latest, Welcome to Toytown. Like his previous effort, 2021’s Miniatures, this double-length album explores a wide array of emotions in songs that are of shorter duration, all of them running one to two minutes in length. These superb tunes feature Sharp's heartfelt vocals and majestic melodies, layered into a shimmering, multi-instrumental soundscape that will evoke memories of the vintage baroque pop sound of groups such as The Left Banke and The Zombies, as well as modern practitioners of the form like The Divine Comedy, Velvet Crush, and Daniel Knox.
Welcome to Toytown is bursting at the seams with lovely songs such as “Great Big Beautiful World," "Friend In You," and “To Praise Your Love.” Sharp is a supremely talented artist whose music reaches us on an emotional level because it’s full of genuine heart and soul. These well-crafted songs also connect with us because they’re infused with Sharp’s deep love and affection for the sounds of classic pop and rock, which shines through on tracks like “Last of the Dandys,” “Dreams In Our Head,” "I Am Your Spaceman," and of course, “Beach Boys On My Stereo.”
Speaking of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, the centerpiece of the album is a song cycle entitled “Toytown Suite" which recalls Wilson’s work on classics records like Pet Sounds and Smile. This glorious mini pop opera features 12 inter-connected songs which tell the tale of a toymaker king who has lost his crown combined with the story of a child's enthusiasm about the Christmas holiday. In just under ten minutes, “Toytown Suite" will take you on a musical journey that encompasses a variety of emotions, sounds and musical styles. It's not just one of the best tracks on the album, it’s one of the finest pieces of work in Sharp’s already impressive musical oeuvre.
Welcome to Toytown is a phenomenal album filled with extraordinary music and fabulous songs featuring enchanting, intricate arrangements. This record is manna from heaven for lovers of classic pop. Ken Sharp's splendid songs will etch themselves into your memory, and find a lasting place in your heart. For more information on Ken and Welcome To Toytown, head over to https://kensharp.bandcamp.com/album/welcome-to-toytown, and follow this link to watch the video for “Great Big Beautiful World,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pelcPvtL1c.
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