Mike Errico

Who the hell is Mike Errico? A talented songwriter with a penchant for creating lifelike characters is the first answer that comes to mind after hearing his debut album, "Pictures of The Big Vacation." Folk singers tell stories and Errico's first offering is full of classic stories and well-crafted characters set against the backdrop of clever folk-punk arrangements. While most of his characters are young, Errico's songwriting style makes his songs accessible to a wide audience.

The biting intensity of "Daylight" is matched only by Errico's quick-witted temper. The song's main character relishes in his newfound freedom as he berates his ex-girlfriend. The humor in his no-holds-barred assault is truly a breath of fresh air. At one point he rants, "If my life were a movie, you'd be buried in the credits. You'd be Woman #2 with her head up her ass."

Errico's character in "Round and Round" ponders the meaning of life while trying to make it big. Errico tells the common story of an out-of-luck loser with a sense of freshness. As his dreams fade with his youth, he asks, "When will my expectations stoop low enough for me to reach?"

The rest of the album is more of the same. Compelling characters recounting their stories of life, love, religion, and road trips. The journey hits a high point on the album's tenth track, "When She Walks By." At a point when most albums are over or trying to pass off filler, Errico is weaving what is perhaps his most skillful tale. He jumps into the psyche of an old man who recounts how one missed opportunity has haunted his entire existence. As he confesses his regret we learn that the neighborhood kids mistake his shyness for an evil disposition. Suddenly you realize that this character is the old man that haunted your neighborhood when you were growing up. And then you realize that the evil old man you always feared was just like you when he was young--and you can end up like him if you make the same mistake. It's a haunting story that will make you think twice about not following your dreams.

The album's arrangements are sparse, letting Errico's lyrics and voice lead the way. Errico and producer Susan Rogers do an excellent job of making sure the focus is never taken off of the stories by excess instrumentation. Pianos, harmonicas, and electric guitars are used sparingly, but effectively. The end result is a fresh folk-rock sound that is worthy of Errico's songwriting abilities.

In addition to being a staff writer at modernrock.com, John Fitzgerald is President of Snozzberry Entertainment, a music video production company. For more information, email him at snozzberry@modernrock.com.