Bryan Thomas

Bryan Thomas' second disc avoids the dreaded sophomore slump like gangbusters, building on the strengths so clearly exhibited on 1999's "Radio Plastic Jennifer" and in countless live performances hereabouts, standing strong as one of the most thoughtful, heart-tugging and hip-shaking records of the year. "Ones and Zeros" is a true solo work, with Thomas handling all the singing and instrumentation admirably well, creating lush sweeps of dark pop decadence, and topping them all off with vocals so rich in emotion that you can't help but be drawn into the songs on first listen-although it'll then take a few listens more before you appreciate the wealth of insightful observation and rumination that define this collection's best songs. Not to mention the exquisite ways in which Thomas documents those ruminations and observations, as "Ones and Zeros" is filled with some of the smartest and most satisfying word gymnastics and lyrical flights of fancy that you're likely to hear--or read--in this or any other year. You may not know what he's singing about on each and every song, but you'll love the way he sings about it anyway, as oblique spiritual imagery crashes against bawdy earthy realism, sparks, blood and honey flying with each concussion.

Imagine a cross between your favorite Joni Mitchell and Todd Rundgren albums, and you'll get a general sense of "Ones and Zeros," a near perfect depiction of that ethereal place where "pop" and "smart" aren't antonyms, and where the mind, soul and body can groove together without stepping on each others' toes, happy in the glow of fine, fine artistry and deep, deep passion--both of which Bryan Thomas displays like nobody's business. - J. Eric Smith

"Radio Plastic Jennifer" is a dazzling whirlwind of folk-funk, as Thomas tackles love and betrayal, sin and salvation, lollipops and lingerie. The songs are smart, erotically charged and full of heart -- an all-too rare combination. 'Six' for example, is a dizzying stream-of-consciouness slab of rock-rap with Thomas riffing on everything from 'The Wizard of Oz' to 'The 12 Days of Christmas,' from mood rings to junk bonds, from Loretta Lynn to Guns 'N Roses to Danny Partridge. 'Cycle' cuts even deeper, a tale of young African-Americans struggling against all odds to survive in a hostile world. An epic emotional rollercoaster of a song, Thomas descends from heartbreaking sorrow to bone-chilling terror before finally grabbing hold of a sliver of hope and redemption in the power of love. By the end of the song, he's chanting 'Everything's gonna be all right,' as though he can make it so solely through repetition and his sheer passion. Buy the CD or get out of the house and see what he can do in person. You won't be disappointed." - Greg Haymes

Bryan Thomas' second disc avoids the dreaded sophomore slump like gangbusters, building on the strengths so clearly exhibited on 1999's "Radio Plastic Jennifer" and in countless live performances hereabouts, standing strong as one of the most thoughtful, heart-tugging and hip-shaking records of the year. "Ones and Zeros" is a true solo work, with Thomas handling all the singing and instrumentation admirably well, creating lush sweeps of dark pop decadence, and topping them all off with vocals so rich in emotion that you can't help but be drawn into the songs on first listen-although it'll then take a few listens more before you appreciate the wealth of insightful observation and rumination that define this collection's best songs. Not to mention the exquisite ways in which Thomas documents those ruminations and observations, as "Ones and Zeros" is filled with some of the smartest and most satisfying word gymnastics and lyrical flights of fancy that you're likely to hear--or read--in this or any other year. You may not know what he's singing about on each and every song, but you'll love the way he sings about it anyway, as oblique spiritual imagery crashes against bawdy earthy realism, sparks, blood and honey flying with each concussion.

Imagine a cross between your favorite Joni Mitchell and Todd Rundgren albums, and you'll get a general sense of "Ones and Zeros," a near perfect depiction of that ethereal place where "pop" and "smart" aren't antonyms, and where the mind, soul and body can groove together without stepping on each others' toes, happy in the glow of fine, fine artistry and deep, deep passion--both of which Bryan Thomas displays like nobody's business. - J. Eric Smith