Satisfactionista
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Originally released in 2008, this classic album from the Athens rocker Chris McKay sees the reissue treatment with 5 bonus tracks, where his power-pop template proves that it’s aged quite well.
The dreamy, acoustic guitar fueled “An Uncertain Flight” opens the listen with Brad Morgan’s skilled drums complementing McKay’s mesmerizing guitar, and “The Only Way” follows with spirited rock’n’roll via the thicker guitars and Frank DeFreese’s agile bass making for a more rugged approach.
Further on into the disc, “Rage On” emits plenty of melody in it harmonic delivery that jangles playfully, while “From Now ‘Til Then” is an intimate moment of warm acoustic guitar and McKay’s sincere singing that touches on folk-rock.
Deeper yet, the bouncy “Wide Bicycle” flows amid a haze of retro-ideas that are rich and inviting, and “Something Unseen” exits the formal record with Mike Garson’s dense and meticulous piano that guides the thoughtful and emotive finish.
The bonus tracks are equally great, and include the hand clapping fun of “Best Case Scenario”, as well as the upbeat and infectious power-pop of “Feels Like Yesterday”.
A listen that touches on AM Gold radio sounds, McKay was dealing with serious health issues just before and during the recording of this album, but that didn’t stop the Georgia artist from penning an album that’s on par with much of the greatness from the Athens scene.
Travels well with: The Baseball Project- Grand Salami Time!; The Bad Ends- The Power And The Glory