Nick Page! - The Static

Nick Page!

The Static
self-released; 2014

3.1 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Nick Page! is a guy from Columbus, Ohio who not only is a stand up comedian but plays some music as well. His recent release The Static contains songs in which he jumps from style to style with no regard. It’s mostly silly with more or less ideas for songs rather than songs. I have no idea how to classify this music other than some guy who is just toying with whatever ideas come into his head. Some of his ideas have potential to become better songs and others simply fall flat.

It’s pretty noticeable from the first song that the record was recorded in bedrooms and basement with low grade consumer gear. Most of the recordings are boxy sounding and contain little clarity.

Page opens up with “A Few Self-Deprecating Remarks Before We Begin,” which sounds like a deflated They Might Be Giants song. The second track “The Ballad Of Yankee Josh” despite sounding sloppy is one of his more notable songs. He sings, “My name is Josh and the Yanks are my team / They can run hard and hit fast inside of their dreams / But in real life their jerseys all burst at the seams /The Yankees eat a lot of burrito supremes.” 

“You Think It's Best” sounds like it was put together with a couple of tin cans and a poorly recorded banjo. The sound quality isn't very good. Nevertheless the vocals sound oddly heartwarming and sincere. Songs like “Every Famous Person From Lancaster Ohio” and “3rd Static” are half-baked ideas that don't go anywhere. 

Page might be best at writing sea shanties. His song “When Tim Was A Mighty Sailor-Man” is probably the highlight on the album. It’s a good song to listen to if you are on a ship catching lobsters and no longer have any friends besides that flask of whiskey your ex-girlfriend bought you because you were never around. 

Page may not be the next John Lennon but he seems to be having fun with his music and in the end that’s what matters. If Page hopes to make a living from music he’s going to have to flesh out his ideas a bit more, get more polished recordings and have more consistency. This record is  a bit silly in a good way but  also has some moments that are enjoyable.

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