Review: Popster Aaron Lee Tasjan delivers his best album yet
Aaron Lee Tasjan is a music encyclopedia who can enthrall audiences with a New York Dolls cover or 10-minute talking blues
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Aaron Lee Tasjan “Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!” (New West Records)
Aaron Lee Tasjan is a one-man music encyclopedia who can enthrall audiences with a New York Dolls cover or 10-minute talking blues. The former glam band guitarist recently could be heard on Outlaw Country radio extolling the virtues of obscure acts in Nashville where he now lives.
So where does the needle drop on his new album? In his sweet spot.
Tasjan's previous albums seemed like explorations that didn't quite find a destination and “Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!” is his best yet, a delight from start to finish. It’s tuneful, hook-filled power pop that references the past while sounding entirely fresh, handsomely crafted but loose enough to avoid artifice. The 11 shimmering songs are built on layered vocals, catchy grooves, synth washes and a range of smart guitar work, from fingerpicked acoustic to psychedelic solos on electric.
Echoes across the decades, from the Beatles to the Raspberries to ELO to Elliott Smith, frame Tasjan's sanguine assessments of 2021's uncertainties and anxieties. He pines for a dream girl on “Sunday Women,” bridges gender on “Feminine Walk” and offers life counsel on “Don't Overthink It,” all with charming humor and candor.
Tasjan has made the gem his fans knew he had in him, and the album title rings true: Exclamation points are warranted.