It is not an understatement to suggest that had John Lennon lived (and, perhaps, gotten away from Yoko for awhile) he might have produced an album that sounded a lot like Instant Happiness, the most recent effort from Gary Reynolds and the Brides of Obscurity. The album features three particularly strong cuts, each of which, in its own way, is evocative of Lennon's style and substance. The title track, which opens the album following a brief instrumental interlude, provokes instant comparisons to the late 60s Beatles, with its Harrison-esque slide guitar and soaring lead vocal work. The ballad Elijah brings tears to one's eyes as it builds to a cresendo of piano and strings, accuentated by a piccolo trumpet solo ripped straight from Pepperland. The third standout song, Getting Over, is a straight-ahead rocker reminiscent of Helter Skelter, highlighted by a searing guitar solo that nearly ripped this listener's balls off.

While comparisons to Lennon and the Beatles are inevitable upon hearing Instant Happiness, the overall quality of its lyrics, musicianship and production pushes the work well beyond the level of a tribute act. This is one of the best albums of any genre I have heard in years.
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