They don't make mainstream pop/rock like this anymore. Portland, OR indie musician Don Wood (http://www.donwood-music.com) seems to have stepped out of Adult Contemporary radio circa 1981. With '80s nostalgia in full swing, the dated synthesizers and guitar solos on this LP fit right in. But what's surprising is that Wood doesn't seem to be self-consciously referencing the past; instead, he sounds like he was from that time period, a product of lightweight AOR. There are traces of Christopher Cross, Glenn Frey, and Little River Band in Wood's unpretentious, no-frills pre-MTV style.
The spiritual subtext of his lyrics is surprising considering that his music has little to do with contemporary Christian radio, but with rock radio becoming so glum and ticked off that format may provide a sanctuary for old-fashioned rockers.
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"Dancin' with the Monster" opens the record on an upbeat note with its horns and jumpy piano; it's a party song that actually makes you want to chill out more than jump around. Wood's vocals don't have much range; however, he expresses his emotions convincingly, especially on the gorgeous "Forgiveness" and the comforting "I Love You."
Two decades ago these songs would've been played to death on easy listening and even Top-40 stations. It's nice to know that there are musicians unafraid of being outside the hip modern world.
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