STATE

Todd- a prophet without honour in his own country - why no hall of fame? This man is what progression is all about.Being a fan is a roller- coaster ride where you never know what will happen next,so prepare to be amazed when listening to State ( which has entered the dance charts would you believe?) Approach with an open mind.Judge on its merits.But listen a few times- it becomes more rewarding.Todd goes techno? - maybe- it bears the mark of a mac 'garage band' type of sound- but not in a bad way. 'In My Mouth', 'Ping Me','Something from Nothing' are heart- achingly classic Todd,vocally and melodically.- worth the admission. I recommend the deluxe version because CD 2 has a brilliant live concert recorded with the Dutch Metropole Orchestra in Amsterdam.His ineraction with the orchestra and his vocals are never better.If you like his singer- songwriter persona,this is a must. The opener'Another Life' from 'Oops' is a far superior version to the recorded one.On the other hand,another track 'Frogs' is one of those throwaway silly Gilbert and Sullivan type tracks that you either love or hate. I would say Todd is the most innovative rock musician the USA has produced- and he still has the creative energy to astound.This album proves he still progresses.