47 Moons

With a holiday EP in 2004, another EP in January 2005, and a full-length album released at the same time, Dwight Twilley is having something of a renaissance. Indeed, it's easy to get the feeling that Twilley, like a number of artists experiencing a second wind, only needed an independent label to get the music rolling. The centerpiece to all of these activities is 47 Moons, a full-length album specializing in '60s styled pop/rock. Twilley's vocal and instrumental style reminds one of a cross between Brian Wilson and Phil Spector, a sweet confection concocted from multiple levels of voices, guitars, piano, and, on occasion, bells. Like listening to a Spector tune, there's a certain light, effervescent quality to songs like "Walkin' on Water" and the title cut. In this way, Twilley's music seems innocent and happy. These winning qualities are muted somewhat, though, by the similarity of the material and excessive length of many of the songs. Twilley's vocals and the vocal arrangements seem better suited for songs like "Chance of a Lifetime" and "Better Watch Out," fairly short songs with upbeat rhythms and catchy hooks. Shortness, after all, has always been a hallmark of pop. Twilley fans, however, will be glad that the master pop-smith is back in action, and find much to like about 47 Moons.