Owl City's All Things Bright and Beautiful..Is

Owl City (Adam Young) released his latest masterpiece yesterday. After downloading it to iTunes and listening through it three times, it's obvious that he has picked up where he left off with Ocean Eyes and is delivering a heaping helping of what got him to where he is today.

If you loved Fireflies you'll love this release. Thirteen songs, plus an online book provide all the unexpected twists of melody, electronically generated rhythms, poignant pauses, tight harmonies and a dash of disco fever.

Sometimes Adam starts with a simple guitar strum or plain piano chords, but with Mr. Young it builds and builds--sometimes dropping off suddenly. You can count on rich and sometimes thrilling swells of accompanyment to his clear, youthful singing. I know that I am completely smitten, and have blogged twice about him--February 12 and February 19.

One complete surprise on this album is the track January 28, 1986. It features President Ronald Reagan's speech after the Challenger Disaster with minimal background by the artist. Then, it swings immediately into the rhythmic celebration of Galaxies and you're off!

I made notes on each song, but I don't really need to present them here. The Devo-like hollering in Kamakazi was something new from Owl City. Mostly, though, it was more of what we want. Not sure which song will be his next radio hit, but you could probably take anything off this album and use it.

Is Adam Young (Owl City) the Next Paul McCartney?

I'm not kidding. Listen the gorgeous melodies this guy creates--the rich, thumping bass parts--and compare. I suggest you listen to the effervescent, transcendant Fireflies and then McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed. Or, how about Vanilla Twilight and then the soon to be ex-Beatle's Let It Be? What do you think? Am I crazy?

I now own the latest CD, Ocean Eyes, whereon you'll find the two Owl City songs listed above.

Well, back to listening to Owl City. Where are my headphones?

Splendid, Ethereal Owl City

The first time I heard Fireflies by Owl City the little hairs on my arms stood up and I felt a chill down my back. This is the sound of hit songs from the pop era of the 1960's blended with the high-tech electronics of today.

Adam Young is Owl City, but you'd think there was a band with him. I visualize one very talented young man with a personal recording studio and an arsenal of instruments.

Watch the video linked above. Besides hearing the transcendent song you'll witness a visual presentation worthy of Peewee's Playhouse. This is one very talented young man--he looks like a high school student--but oh my can he put out sound.

I found a CD, Maybe I'm Dreaming, in Barnes & Noble for $9.99 and since bringing it home, have played it over and over like I did with new Beatles albums. There's something infectious about the crisp, clear, shimmering sound that comes out of this music.

Visit the official website and enjoy some for yourself. Listen to Peppermint Winter. Wait until he hits "warm." Wow...