Chris Von Sneidern's fame is an underground sort, but it's easy to hear from this compilation drawing on his solo work why the power pop universe holds the guy in pretty high esteem. It's fair to say that he's a practitioner of the form rather than an innovator, but he draws on both classic... [+] Expand

Chris Von Sneidern's fame is an underground sort, but it's easy to hear from this compilation drawing on his solo work why the power pop universe holds the guy in pretty high esteem. It's fair to say that he's a practitioner of the form rather than an innovator, but he draws on both classic sources and similarly inclined friends (guests include Smithereens' vet Dennis Diken, Richard X. Heyman and Neko Case) to create enjoyable confections. When his songs are at their spikiest he's at his best -- "Go On Go On" has a couple of fine breaks that help the song careen along -- though more than once it would be nice to hear him fire up with the full rampaging abandon of Cheap Trick. Von Sneidern's voice is often Lennon-and-his-descendants in his phrasing and delivery ("Like Me That Way" at times almost scarily so), but it's not just Beatles worship on show, with nods to a continuing country fascination on songs like "Feel" and "Identity," while "Don't Worry Now" and "Remember" have a smooth-'60s pop undercarriage thanks to the trumpets. (There's also a direct homage with the cover of Petula Clark's "Downtown.") Perhaps the secret highlight is the slow-building, majestic "Great American Dream," which belies the seeming pomposity of the title with a lovely piano melody, just enough extra twists and tweaks in the arrangement buried deep in the mix, and a bravura vocal. While there's enough variety as it goes through the disc, ultimately Like Me That Way is probably all most casual listeners will need, a fine journeyman's collection. The booklet contains a brief appreciation from U.K. writer Nick West, though an actual breakdown of what tracks came from where would have been welcome. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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