Cerveris - Dog Eared
(Low Heat)

It's a cool if surprisingly mellow solo debut for Michael Cerveris. This is the guy who originated the role of Tommy on Broadway, took over as Hedwig when creator John Cameron Mitchell left the show, and played in Bob Mould's touring band. The album dwells on that familiar songwriting fodder, the breakup of a relationship. Part of what keeps Dog Eared from becoming a self-absorbed boo-hoo-hoofest is that Cerveris enlisted the help of some serious indie rock royalty: Ken Stringfellow (Posies), Corin Tucker and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney), Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), and the ubiquitous Claudia Chopek on violin. There are some fine uptempo rock moments, but slow introspection rules the day. Not the album most people might have expected him to make, but very worthy, moving stuff.
address: www.cerveris.com

YEAH YEAH YEAH, 2003