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Fish Altieri
As the title suggests, Fish Altieri is a relatively unknown singer/songwriter from the Bronx. I met him a few years back when he answered an ad that I placed looking for a singer/guitarist/songwriter for my own cover band, hoping to bring an element of originality to the equation. I liked him immediately, but his low-key and self-effacing manner led me to expect little from him – which is why I was fairly shocked when I heard this CD. In short, his talent is remarkable, and his ambition rightly prevented him from joining a band that would ultimately pay his talents short shrift for their real value.
Anthology of an Unknown pairs high energy, upbeat original arrangements with observant and occasionally humorous lyrics that flaunt a succinct eye for detail. Some songs lapse toward a new-wave feel, but there are also some genuinely remarkable moments that transcend comparison. “The Bottom of This” is a lyrical wonder, conveying the double-edged sword of optimism and the sober recognition of the cold, hard truth (“You decay, but I will wish you well anyway”). His skewed perspective shines on “Sam’s Cow”, a song that would segue beautifully with XTC’s “Love on a Farmboy’s Wages.” “Orchard” and “Some Mad Sailor” both stand out as unique, hummable visions that surely should at least earn him a record contract, or at least some radio airplay. He has had some success on college radio, but it’s high time for everybody else to hear him. Every one of the twelve songs on Anthology of an Unknown is a testament to Atieri’s remarkable melodic sense, and they deserve to be heard. To hear excerpts from this disk, check out his website -- It will only take a few minutes, and I’m betting you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you hear.
fishaltieri.com
Grade: 
 
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