Tony Barnett

My first introduction to Richard X. Heyman was the 1991 album, "Hey Man!," on Sire Records. It took me awhile to get past the cover, which features Heyman sitting crossed-legged on the floor, holding a guitar, with a prize mullet. But once I overcame the haircut, I discovered an album packed full of endearing power-pop that echoed with Beatles, Badfinger, Byrds, The Raspberries, Lowe, Costello, Flaming Groovies, and a number of sixties- and seventies-era one-hit wonders. The album did squat in sales and Heyman didn't resurface until 1998, this time with a better coif and with another gem, "Cornerstone." His recorded his latest, "Basic Glee," in his living room and it does not disappoint. This album should warm the cockles of Heyman's fans and stand as a nice introduction to a new generation of power-pop enthusiasts. I'm not the biggest Beach Boys fan in the world, but "Everywhere She Goes" is the best Brian Wilson song not written by Brian Wilson.

Richard X. Heyman plays September 8 at Schubas, 3159 North Southport, (773)525-2508.

(2002-09-04)

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