help wanted - the return of monkey face

Help Wanted's new CD, "The Return of Monkey Face," is one of the brightest and best-sounding pop gems out of DC that I've heard.

With a sound that includes a wonderful collection of blues, funk, and rock, Help Wanted ably demonstrates their originality, talent, and love for music.

Right away, the standout track is the second song, "Calm Me Down." A catchy, driving, and upbeat song, it grabs hold of you with its quick delivery and memorable melody. The singing from Andy Berry (bass,guitar,lead vocals) is dead on, and when the tempo shifts for the chorus and Cecy Snyder (lead vocals) joins in, it sounds great. It is a wonderfully written love song about how another person can affect you. "Calm Me Down" is a winner.

But as you listen more to the CD, you soon realize that other songs are just as great, and your appreciation grows with each listen.

"Butterflies" starts with a funky jazz feel that melts into a Steely Dan-reminiscent bass groove, and then the song breaks up with solos, improvs, and choruses that somehow meet up with the bass line again. The lyrics are good, too: "Thinking clear glassy thoughts that fade / faster than they come / or change and meld into bigger things / like clouds and trees / or the wings of butterflies."

One of the star qualities of "Return of Monkey Face" is the teaming of Cecy and Andy. Cecy's voice is strong and emotive, revealing a complete modern woman who is not afraid to say what she thinks. Andy's accompaniment is a perfect balance for her voice, although it should be said that he is more than able to handle his own melody.

Although the vocals are notable, they do not detract from the music. It never leaves you unfulfilled. The musical combination of Scott Flory (lead guitar, bass, vocals, balalaika), Lee Parker (guitar, bass, vocals), Ken Hougasian (drums), Brian Parish (sax, harmonica, clarinet), and Josh Dietrich (trumpet) results in great tunes. Because of this, the CD doesn't get tired after four songs and start to sound the same like some unfortunately do.

"Return of Monkey Face" takes a positive spin on the trials and travails of life. (Listen to "Churchill," a song that borrows the prime minister's famous quote, "Never give up.") In fact, this CD reminded me of spring (I know it's corny, but it's the truth) and the warmth you find with finally breaking out of the gloom and for one moment breathing free, feeling like everything's going to be alright.