"Having found "Mel" to be as good a find as any I came across last year, I had to get this after reading the reader reviews. It is just as good if not better. Sounds a little like Luna and you can hear the VU and feelies influence as well.This man is criminally under-rated, but that may not be so bad. If he got too popular, the label could compromise his wonderful, iconoclastic style."
Inspired, Hypnotic Home-made Classic
Steve H. | Jersey City, N.J. | 10/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"F.M. Cornog uses his Tascam 8-track to great effect, creating a richly textured collection of songs of resignation and deluded dreams. The guitar work on some of the best songs (ie., Bring on the Loser, Metal Detector) is reminiscent of Vini Reilly's guitar stylings with Durutti Column, while other songs flower into gorgeous guitar riffs (Marty, Powerful Man) that evoke Galaxy 500. Cornog turns simple phrases into mantras that you just might find yourself repeating while you're out walking the dog."
Pure pop masterpieces, lo-fi wonders
Steve H. | 08/14/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Poor Fricky" is a rare and beautiful flash of brilliance, a testament to the purity and enduring power of three-chord pop songs. Hypnotic, irresistable, clever, wonderous, transparently listenable, perfect from beginning to end. Guaranteed to continue to amaze after 100 spins.F.M. (Fred) Cornog, AKA East River Pipe, is the man behind the four track, the chimy guitars, the whirling Farfisa organ, the drums, the bass -- the whole shooting match -- each track whittled and honed and on a cheap Tascam four track. Picture the loner, the loser, the drunk, the man redeemed by the power of reverb, melody, harmony, and the love of the good woman who pulled him out of the gutter, put a guitar in his hand and hit the "record" button."
Simply Cool (literally)
Steve H. | 04/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This guy is living everyone's dream, sitting in an apartment and making great music. Very relaxing and soothing. I love this CD. Indie Rock fans should also check out his song, "Miraceland", from the Indie compilation album, "Red, Hot and Bothered"."