Fastball: The Harsh Light of Day

Nevertheless, those three great songs, "The Way," "Fire Escape," and "Out of My Head" were all huge radio (and Napster) hits, so commercial expectations for the new album, The Harsh Light of Day, are high. Based on the success of the new single, "You're an Ocean," Fastball has little to worry about.

"You're an Ocean" deserves special mention, because it's probably the catchiest pop song of the year. Featuring Rolling Stones sideman Billy Preston's superb piano fills, it has an irresistible sing-along chorus, brilliantly inane lyrics, and a solo perfect for air-guitarists everywhere—all the marks of a dumb fun hit. The rest of the album doesn't live up to its promise, but Fastball has definitely improved its act.

The Harsh Light of Day opens with "This is Not My Life," featuring singer-guitarist Miles Zuniga doing a very effective John Lennon impression. The song then segues into "You're an Ocean," followed by the catchy "Goodbye." From there, the album becomes more uneven. For every intelligent, interesting track like "Vampires," there's a clunker like "Love is Expensive and Free" (featuring a superfluous Brian Setzer solo) or "Time."

There are a plethora of bands dredging up old Beatles and Big Star tunes and trying to fit them into the modern-rock mold, but the good tracks on The Harsh Light of Day definitely prove Fastball to be two notches above the rest. If it can do a better job of cutting out the filler the next time around, it just might be on to something. (Hollywood)

—Dan Feder

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