Andrew Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
Andrew Sandoval is a well-documented sunshine pop addict, and there's no arguing he's learned a lot from all those pretty-on-the-surface, sad-on-the-inside songs he's been doting on throughout his career in music. Sandoval has learned to write songs that mimic the style of his heroes with impressive accuracy, and his fifth album, From Me to You, is a modest marvel of 21st century pop. Recorded mostly utilizing acoustic instruments and without trap drums, From Me to You's 11 songs are full of beautifully layered harmonies, chiming guitars, subtle keyboard lines, and drop-dead-beautiful melodies that would do Michael Brown or Emitt Rhodes proud. The liner notes state that this material was all recorded live in the studio, which would make the seamless perfection of these performances all the more remarkable. However, while Sandoval's music is impressive indeed, as a lyricist he leaves a bit to be desired, and if From Me to You has a flaw, it's that listeners have heard most of these tales of love gone problematic told with greater eloquence from other writers, and while none of them are thuddingly awful, they're also not nearly as memorable as his melodies (which are also derivative, but with enough skill and craft to make them compelling despite their familiarity). Sandoval is able to blend form and content with equal skill on the gently melancholy "No One Else," and the playful venom of "I Hate Your Guts" is a welcome diversion, but too much of From Me to You suggests he ought to collaborate with a wordsmith who can bring the same strength of craft that Sandoval brings to his music. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
'Happily Ever After'
Release Date 8/31/2004
Tracks 5
Label Vibrophonic
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Happy to Be Here'
Release Date 1/1/2003
Tracks 11
Label Bus Stop Label
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Remember when beautifully orchestrated, well-crafted pop confections ruled the '60s' AM-radio airwaves? When sunny songs from artists like the Turtles, the Cowsills, and the Beach Boys sang out with carefree joy? Andrew Sandoval remembers and reacquaints listeners with those delicious sounds on his second full-length disc, Happy to Be Here. As a musical archivist, Sandoval has had the opportunity to hear and absorb the art of creating a true piece of pop music. His influences are apparent, yet he does not simply soak in them and then squeeze them out into a pale imitation; Andrew is able to hone them into a distinct, retro-'60s sound while remaining fresh and original. With the jangle of its guitar opening and light harmonies, the first track, "I Wish You Would," could comfortably appear on any Matthew Sweet album, yet it is the next track, "Allyn White," where the time-tripping begins. With quietly soaring strings, the sudden 1-2-3-4 beat of snare, and "bop-ba-da" vocals, listeners are transported to a place where they can join the lucky few who still love "The Rain, the Park, and Other Things." On the track "He Can Fly," Sandoval validates his sound even further with a guest appearance by Tom Dawes from the '60s group the Cyrkle ("Red Rubber Ball"). Musically referencing icons such as Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Electric Light Orchestra, and the Beach Boys, the song veers happily from a tinkling harmonium to a harmony vocal section that would make Brian Wilson Smile. The collection's only cover song is a nifty remake of Dion & the Wanderers' "Now," a lost gem that snuggly fits in the mix as if Sandoval was the writer, once again proving his grasp of the genre. A solo French horn and a lonely organ (an instrument woefully underused) carry "Tears Away" through its melancholy melody, leading perfectly to the disc's best track, "Friend of Mine." With its reflection on fading relationships, "Friend of Mine" sets the example that sunshine pop can be thoughtful and fun. Though he will not win any vocal awards, Andrew's thin but gentle tones resonate well within the musical context of these songs. Unfortunately, throughout all of these lovingly crafted songs, the one element lacking is that of a strong, memorable melody. While they are a breath of fresh air, the songs tend to slip away with the breeze and do not hang around for long. With a song like the Left Banke's "Walk Away Renee," it only takes a couple of spins to get that song embedded in a listener's mind, and if Andrew would push his writing toward this level, he would be closer to crafting the true pop masterpiece that he is capable of creating. Yet, this should not deter anyone from enjoying this collection. In a time where rock songs are overwhelmed with bombastic strings and lung-busting singers, Happy to Be Here hearkens back to a time when songs were well-written, subtly orchestrated, and a pleasure to hear. Andrew wears his influences well -- he is not ashamed to show them off, and listeners are lucky they are invited to his retro-fashion show. ~ Aaron Latham, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With a quaint voice, akin to Squeeze's Chris Difford and the Beautiful South's Paul Heaton, Andrew Sandoval's plaintive songs sweetly retell stories of the ups and downs of everyday life. The major problem with this album is the song structures, which for the main part are very average. Even though the accompaniment is supplied by some of the greatest names in the pop industry, including Jon Brion, Ric Menk, and Peter Holsapple, and arrangements from noted TV and film composer Roger Neill (Air/Mike Post), the standard nature of the songs cannot be hidden. There is no disputing that the lavish arrangements featuring everything from harpsichords to harmoniums, cellos to Chamberlins, to jangling guitars and psychedelic effects is most beautiful, but when put up against the modern pop charms of the Wondermints, it becomes apparent that Andrew lacks something. However exquisite the instrumentation may be, the majority of the songs just don't stick. That's not to say though that this Baroque/pop effort is without charm, and that fans of finely crafted pop in the Beach Boys and Zombies mold will be disappointed. It's just that it isn't anything more than pretty. ~ Jon 'Mojo' Mills , All Music Guide
