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If you’re looking for the ideal singer-songwriter model to be noticed amongst the introspective “Dylan” set, than you probably don’t want to go Mike Doughty’s route of syncopated guitar, funky beats and gravelly rhythmic voice. That being said, the former Soul Coughing front-man delivers intricate wordplay smoother than any of his coffee-scene mates and bolder than Jack Johnson or Dave Matthews.
On Golden Delicious, his second full length on Matthews’ ATO Records label, Doughty has fun with another loose-limbed set of skittish guitar pop that spans from anti-war statements (“Fort Hood”) that borrows a “let the sunshine in” chorus to breakup songs (“I Got The Drop On You”). Keyboardist John Kirby (Black Eyed Peas) adds a punch of groove to the previously released “27 Jennifers” as the fan favorite is recorded for the first time with a band.
Doughty’s knack for molding gibberish voice sounds into melodic pop on the long winded titled – “I Just Want The Girl In Te Blue Dress to Keep on Dancing” and the joyous “Put It Down,” proclaim he’s more talent than fluff. When Doughty gets down and serious in “I Got The Drop on You,” it almost sounds ominous as he frantically sings, “sorry isn’t good enough.”
There’s plenty to eat up on Golden Delicious, but there’s some to spit out too, like the hip-hop oddity “”More Bacon Than the Pan Can Handle” or the overly playful “Nectarine.” Doughty knows what he’s best at and that propensity makes Golden Delicious comfort food for those that like their lyrics and melody on the quirky side.
