This is not a rap abum, or even alternative rock. Instead, it's a collection of sweet and somber, mostly acoustic and piano driven songs about life and the pains that come with it. Surprisingly though, it's a musically upbeat album and that contrast works well. In lesser hands this may not have ended up as a cohesive release, but mark is one hell of a producer, not to mention a talented multi-instrumentalist. On this album he sings, plays guitar (acoustic and electric), bass, drums, melodica, synth, piano (upright, electric and grand), electric harpsichord, strings, celeste, omnichord, and harp (whew!).

The first single "Pick Up The Pieces" was co-written by Johnson and boasts a guest appearance by the legendary Carol Kaye of the Beach Boys on bass. "Summer Blue" is funky while "Color Of Your Blues" is slightly Beatles-esque. I imagine that Mark's vocals will also bring to mind John Lennon to many listeners. "Pretend To Sleep" is a sweet ballad, and probably my favorite song on the album, thanks in large part to the backing vocals by Cava. "My Loss Your Gain" reminds me of a Marvelous 3 song for some reason and being followed by the excellent "Everyday I Die A Little" makes the middle of this cd very strong and moving. "Radiate Nothing" bounces along at a cheery pace while singing about a love that's died, and "Black Butterfly" is a must listen if only due to the fact that it's written about a young person that he know that took to wearing a lot of black clothing. "Brand New By Tomorrow" is about a couple who is breaking up. It's a beautiful end to the album and there isn't a person out there that won't identify with it.

With so much going on here you'd think that this wouldn't be an easy album to wrap your head around, but it maintains a classic pop sensibility while experimenting with as many different sounds as he can sneak in. While coming off as deceptively simple, this isn't pop by numbers. It's reaching for a bit more than that. Those of you who appreciate acoustic music and Jack Johnson fans should dig this. I could even see jam band fans getting into this. I'll pull this out along with my Gavin Degraw and Val Emmich cds when I want to change up the pace from my normal routine of metal. More than anything, this is an album for those who like to soak their music up like a form of meditation. I had no clue what to expect when I put this into the cd player, but what I got what the heart and soul of Money Mark in 11 chapters.