I'll take "pleasantly surprised" for $500, Alex.

I'll admit that I was holding off listening to "Watercolor Day" by Seth Swirsky, and I have no real explanation why. I guess I was expecting something terrible instead of something that is so awesome and so much fun! Seth, unbeknownst to me, has been in the music biz for a loooooong time. In fact, he's written chart toppers for the likes of Taylor Dayne, Michael McDonald, Olivia Newton-John, and Rufus Wainwright to name a few. YOU might not be impressed by this list, but this guy has street cred, ok?

Every song on this 18-track record is reminiscent of the big harmonies and the fun-in-the-sun type of songs that used to grace our radios. There's a little Beatles, a little Chicago, and a little Brian Wilson and John Lennon to boot, but only all the best parts.

Melodies and harmonies so beautiful that it sounds (eerily) like Elliot Smith popped in for a few tunes. This is just the type of CD to listen to when you just want to relax. Pure 1960s pop that reminds you of groovy clothes, cool cats, and happier times.

You might also want to check out The Red Button, Seth's band. They're cranking out the 60s-type pop to, but on a grander scale. Kinda cool.