6.15.2010

CD REVIEW: William Fitzsimmons "Derivatives"

Derivatives
For William Fitzsimmons, making music lately has been therapeutic. This new EP is a departure from his latest album, but takes the music from it to a whole new place. The music is incredibly upbeat given the subject matter and the original songs that these remixes were made from. Despite the fact that these sad songs have been upgraded for this recording, they retain their sad song qualities and the lyrical content is still center stage in each recording. The things that the remixers did with these songs make them exciting and interesting again, and rejuvenate the originals making them that much more exciting as well. The biggest surprise on the EP is the inclusion of a cover of Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl." This rendition of the song is by far one of the best covers of any bubble gum pop song ever. Fitzsimmons has a way with words, a guitar, and dark delivery that makes every song he sings outstanding, even if its not his own. For die hard fans this EP is a treat, and for new listeners, this EP is a dip-your-toe-in-the-pool introduction to the excellence of William Fitzsimmons.