Don't Cry for Me Argentina - Mike Flowers

The music of The Mike Flowers Pop shouldn't work as well as it does. Disco-infused cocktail and lounge covers of "Wonderwall," "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," and "Light My Fire" (the last one appears on the band's full-length debut Groovy Place) don't seem too compelling on paper, and the formula is in place for a really tiresome affair. But, somehow, the band gets things right again and again, and their cheesy covers and witty originals come across as entirely charming, engaging pop ditties. First off is the title song, a tropical day-glow Pet Shop Boys meets Lawrence Welk rendition of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice classic. It's fun and bubbly, and quite touching, though it cries for an extended version since it ends far too soon. "Give Her One for Christmas" is a Mike Flowers original. It's light comedy pop at its best. The one in question is an engagement ring at the beginning of the song and a divorce at the end. "I Dreamt I Was Dreaming" is pleasant, slight instrumental that wouldn't sound out of place on a Divine Comedy album, though it's more tender and unassuming than most songs from Neil Hannon's quivers. "Wonderwall" is a delightful, playful re-imagining of the Oasis song with a swinging lounge veneer. Flowers sounds like a deep-throated cousin to Austin Powers, as the tune bounces along at a slow pace amid subtle horns, and cute background vocals highlight key moments in the chorus. Don't Cry for Me Argentina is an immensely fun diversion that always sounds refreshing. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Music Guide