by Tom Osborne in Alternative, Reviews, Rock

If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry
Marah
release date 10/18/2005
Yep Roc Records

Twangville Rating: 4.0 stars out of five

“Folk-punk”, that’s the way Marah describes their new album. Two seemingly diametrically opposed terms to describe music, though somehow it seems to work. These Philly-based rockers must have had a fun time creating this album as the spirit of it shines through every track. It has an upbeat pop sensibility harking memories of the Beatles (City of Dreams), Bob Dylan (The Demons of White Sadness) and even The Clash (The Hustle). I love the “Happy Tappin’ with Elmo” tap sounds that appear several times though primarily in the song Sooner or Later. I’m sure that wasn’t what the band intended but its what my parenting ears heard. No worries, it put a big smile on my face even if I’m the only one who hears it. Grab this album for the rock, the pop, the fun and of course a small dose of twang.

Notable Tracks:
The Hustle
Fat Boy
Sooner or Later
Walt Whitman Bridge
This Time (bonus track)

About the author:  Washington, D.C. area web designer by day. Certifiable music freak by night. Husband and father of two by the loving grace of God.