Michael Zapruder
(SideCho)
Worse than the outright terrible record, which at least inspires some sort of instinctual reaction-even if it is disgust-is the mediocre one, the middling, passive 40 minutes of forgettable pleasantry whose existence is roughly equivalent to trying to make a meal of a glass of water.
With his latest, California songwriter Michael Zapruder creates just such a minimally satisfying palate-cleanser. His folk and pop-tinged soft rock complements his whispery vocals and gentle pleas. But he lets his songs give way to their ornaments. The flutes on "Ads For Feelings" distract more than augment, and the choral vocals on the 9-minute "Black Wine" feels forced and tacked onto a song that could already benefit from some judicious editing. Ultimately, Dragon Chinese Cocktail Horoscope barely leaves an impression. One could do worse, for sure, but one could also do a whole lot better.
Standout Tracks: "Experimental Film," "Bang On A Drum" BRYAN REED
