Paul Otten
Bad Parade
© 2005 Paul Otten (659696079823)
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Infectious, melodic piano-pop and guitar-rock with shades of electronica, bluegrass and funk that sounds like Sting singing with Steely Dan performing Coldplay, Ben Folds and Keane songs on a Squeeze tribute album to The Beatles.
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Laced with infectious hooks, overtones of electronica, bluegrass and funk, the music of Cincinnati singer/songwriter Paul Otten is fresh, inventive and undeniably catchy. Steeped in the classic sounds of The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" era, Sting, Billy Joel and Squeeze, his blend of piano-pop and acoustic guitar-rock also cultivates a shared aesthetic with current creators Coldplay, Ben Folds, David Gray and Keane.
The December 2004 release of Otten's debut solo effort, "Bad Parade" contains 11 piano and guitar-driven pop song narratives produced by Brian Lovely (Adrian Belew, Cincinnati Enquirer 2003 Producer of the Year) at his Beat Parlor recording studio. Since the release of his album, Otten has received steady airplay, sold out shows in his hometown, and had two of his songs finish as top-5 finalists in VH1's "Song of the Year" contest.
Otten has been writing and performing music since the age of 17, continually developing a style seasoned and tempered with his various musical muses. Otten released two albums in the mid-nineties with former band Porterhouse, and went on to team up with brother/drummer Brian Otten to create his current project. Otten's combination of catchy pop/rock songs and high-energy live performances has earned him a fan base that grows with every show.
From start to finish, Paul Otten's debut album is an ear-pleasing journey of his many influences. It begins with the piano-pop, melody-drenched opening track "Leave it Alone," and continues on to the funky Steely Dan-meets-Squeeze track "Rudy," the bluegrass-electronica blend "Find Myself," the acoustic guitar-driven, Sting-flavored "Drown Me," and ends with the jazzy Ben Folds and Paul McCartney overtones of "Turn Another Page." In all of his songs, Paul takes a serious, sometimes humorous, and unique look at life from his perspective, all the while packaging it in piano-and guitar-driven pop/rock at its best.
The heart of Paul Otten's new album, "Bad Parade," pulses with pure pop; tinges of electronica, bluegrass and funk make the record as engagingly unpredictable as it is catchy.
(Cincinnati Enquirer)
...Warm, lush...Otten is a clever writer, often couching some biting lyrics in his breezy pop melodies...friendly pleading vocals and catchy piano work are well captured on this 11-cut release.
(Cincinnati Post)
Paul Otten's latest release, "Bad Parade," is a refreshing blend of classic harmonies and catchy melodies that are the foundation of a good pop album...this eclectic cornucopia of sounds will appeal to the musically adventurous and open-minded.
(Only Local Music Magazine)
...Mature, accomplished Pop/Rock that occasionally sounds like Steely Dan covering Squeeze.
(Cincinnati CityBeat)
reviews
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This will be the best money you've probably spent in a long time
author: JDGThis CD embodies everything great in life. I became a fan of Paul Otten during college...and drove far far away to get this CD. It is a CD that I treasure. It reminds me of the good old times during college and of all the fun times that are ahead of me. Yes, a cd can do all that. Just buy it and you'll understand.
excellent music in many different ways
author: ryan richI bought this CD having heard one of the songs, and I was amazed to find that I loved every track. Each song seems like a slightly different style, and most of the songs have a curious mix of styles contained in them. I highly recommend Paul Otten to anyone who appreciates quality tunes.
Beyond Expectation
author: AmyFor those of us that love cover bands, we are sometimes disappointed when they sneak in songs of there own. NOT the case with The Paul Otten Band! This CD is one of the best CDs that I own and I have no problem listening to it from beginning to end. Every person that I have suggested this album to has not only purchased it, but raved about The Paul Otten Band. My only disappointment is that I am not turning on the radio and being able to hear such talent! I'll keep my fingers crossed and will be eagerly awaiting the next CD.
Just in time...
author: ShannonI've been watching these guys play for years and I must say, this was a highly anticipated album. It's great to finally be able to get a dose of the Otten brothers whenever the mood strikes me. And this album has songs for every mood. My vote for best song: Find Myself. It's just in time for the upbeat, dancing in the car, sing at the top of your lungs, summer season. I hope these guys go far and I know I'll be following them along the way.
Nice Job.
author: PhilipCatchy material. The comparisons to Steely Dan (minus the solos) and Squeeze (in the CD baby description) are not incorrect. It's definately pop, yet... many of the songs have great parts and an acoustic feel. And all of them are tightly wrapped in witty, well done, slightly-techno engineering and production.
Excellent collection of songs from multiple genres
author: JerryAfter listening to this compilation several times I am convinced this album could feature songs atop the playlists of numerous local radio stations. The opening track "Leave it Alone" and "Boo and Shane", from which the album finds it's title, should be heard on pop playlists. Meanwhile "Find Myself" should be played on bluegrass and country oriented stations. Finally you have some easy listening favorites in "Everything Burns Out" and "Kimberly". One thing that is for sure is that everyone will find a song they love on this CD.
Terrific disc....will SOMEBODY give these guys some air time?!
author: John HeimDespite that headline, I'm not sure what radio format this disc would fit in. Elements of funk (Rudy reminds me of Stevie Wonder) David Gray, 70's era Billy Joel (minus the horns) and the aforementioned Steely Dan (not one of my favorites but you can hear the influence.) All I know is its catchy, in a "I can hum every song on the CD and it doesn't annoy me" kinda way. I defy you to not sing along with the "Na na na na na" in Leave it Alone. The songs are well written (esp. Confusion Girl and Find Myself) and its fun to hear Paul play with a full band. Many folks are used to hearing just he and his brother (drummer) live. This disc shows great potential. I already want to hear more.
An eclectic mix of finger-snapping, foot-thumping good times
author: William H. BonneyPaul Otten's BAD PARADE is a collection of 11 songs that are all unique in sound, yet similar in appeal. From the sing along TURN ANOTHER PAGE to the foot stomping FIND MYSELF every listener is sure to find their favorite, and enjoy all the others along the way.