Hard-popster Geoff Westen's fourth offering on his Disturbing Music label, resonates with the latitude of OG rock - always with a backbeat, with a hummable hook and melody –invariably novel, fearlessly traversing the edge between PowerPop and Rock. It is undeniably reflective of Geoff's SF, LA and London musical history - from the gaudy, wild and vibrant era of guitar-driven rock to the age of digital embellishment. You'll hear echoes of classics, songs that make you tap your feet, or that meld his rock pop creations with his Rock Ambient sensibility.

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GEOFF WESTEN - I'M NOT CRAZY

I always look forward to a Geoff Westen disc showing up. I'm a big fan! Because of the kind of music he does, he's up against it! His specialty is the '80's sound, and he does it so well! It's tough for reviewers to get past their assumption that this music was recorded in the '80s and is being released to the world today. Far from it! If you explore Geoff's website you will find out that he is doing all this music TODAY. This isn't old rehashed stuff.

To the outsider, Geoff's a bit retro. But hey, there are lots of folks out there that crave retro. I know because I fall into that category. I've been a follower of '80's pop-rock since back in the day, and when I hear Westen music - it takes me back to some good times - and brings back memories that make me feel good. It takes me to places that are familiar. Retro to me is "comfy cozy." I don't consider '80's pop an acquired taste. I think its DNA is inherent in all music since then - music is a continual hybrid of all that came before. 

I'd have a harder time picking the weakest song rather than the strongest song. These songs are all sturdy compositions set inside driving, punctuated, colorful productions. The song stories are pretty common faire, but often told in a somewhat quirky way. The music is clean and easy to understand. In my opinion, he's not trying to re-invent '80's music, he is improving on the genre by showcasing some of it's stronger components. 

If you're not into '80's pop - stay away from this CD! But if you want a lesson from one of the best, if you're into '80's pop, he's the guy. Nobody does it like Westen.


I'M NOT CRAZY 
-GEOFF WESTEN, Disturbing Music

Well, well...look what the post brought today! A new CD from Geoff Westen. I'm instantly curious. His albums don't show up on a regular schedule and Westen has taken me with him on his musical adventures all around the globe and back. I think it's been a couple of years between this one, I'm Not Crazy, and his last instrumental Rock Ambient rumination, Activate.	

I need something new to sink my teeth into, and I'm a fan because I think we're both fans of some of the same throwback faves. It isn't easy for him to break through to the mainstream because of his propensity for the '80's sound - though he does it so well it's tough for listeners to get it into their heads that this is new music, produced and released to the world today. This isn't old rehashed stuff.

So, to the uninformed, he may come off as a bit retro. But hey, there are lots of folks out there that crave retro. I know because I'm one of them. When I hear Geoff's music - it invokes some good ol' times. I certainly don't consider '80's pop an acquired taste. Its DNA is part of all music popular since the heyday of Rock.

The songs on I'm Not Crazy are all sturdy compositions ensconced in driving, punctuated, colorful productions. The stories may exploit some common themes, but inevitably told in a quirky way. These songs are clean and easy to understand. Geoff's not trying to re-invent the 80's: in my opinion he is reintroducing the best parts of New Wave Power Pop by showcasing it's strongest components. 

If that doesn't sound like your cup-of-tea, stay away from this CD! But if you want to learn a lesson from one of its best purveyors…nobody does it any better than Westen. For right now, he's the guy.
-David's Music Blog

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