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Mar 08, 2010 Web Exclusive By Jillian Mapes

Much like New York, the city that defines his sound, Adam Green is in a hurry. Maybe that's why all 13 songs on the former Moldy Peaches member's latest release, titled Minor Love, clock in at well under the three-minute mark. And perhaps that's why this is Green's sixth album in eight years.

Regardless of his speedy release rate, it sounds like Green still hasn't found what he's looking for, constantly dabbling in genres, including '70s soul, punk, and New Wave. This is no exception on Minor Love, where Green only seems to get it right on songs such as "Boss Inside," on which he owns his folk roots and strums an acoustic guitar.

While Green's baritone pipes have always sounded deep, his lyrical content cannot typically boast the same. Past albums have taken on a novelty feel (the subject of "Jessica," Green's most popular solo song to date, is Jessica Simpson), while his contributions with The Moldy Peaches thrived on their childlike aesthetic. On Minor Love, what could be deemed Green's most mature release, he hasn't lost his bite, tossing out such lines as "I'm too awful/To ever be thoughtful/To ever be nice" (from album opener "Breaking Locks").

Between the lyrical taunting, the smoked vocals and the NYC love (not to mention the distinct Velvet Underground vibe on "What Makes Him Act So Bad"), Green's angling to be the next Lou Reed. It could work—if Lou Reed had cut his chops cracking fart jokes. (www.adamgreen.net)

Author rating: 5/10