Review by Doug Cornell

Are you convinced that there is no one creating pure pop/rock any more? Long before Matthew Sweet flamed out, Cheap Trick sold out to the commercial music empire.  These days, all music is pigeonholed into sub-genres. 

Boston's Reed Dickinson is serious about putting some fire into the pop/rock category.  His new album, Ruby, successfully combines pop melodies with guitar/drum/bass/keyboards rock instrumentation (and maybe a bit of fiddle thrown in for good luck).  Dickinson's sharp tenor voice is an acquired taste - his pitch is perfect and he surely knows his way around a hook.

The first track, "Ice On a River," opens with a "Dream Police" era synth melody.  The lyrics, which describes a rich, bored businessman, are right out of the '70's.  But Dickinson redeems himself with an incredible chorus.  "Ruby Red Eyes" is pure pop bliss, with it's happy beat, slamming piano, and radio-ready chorus.   Musically, the next track, "No Longer a Chore," could be from the Tom Petty catalog, with it's strumming guitars and fiddle solo.  Dickinson also has a way with ballads ("Write to Me", "Believe In Yourself", "Lazy Day"), and while no new ground is broken, he certainly excels at writing melodies.  "Limboland" is silly fun, complete with island drums and airy trumpets. "Dangerous Curves," the obligatory driving song, lightens the mood before the dark and moody "Springtime Will Come Again."  Expertly recorded guitars, drums and keyboards make a pleasant backdrop for the bubblegum pop of "I Am a Kite."  "Bad to Me" has a bit of a Stones vibe, while "Devil Doll's" fast beat is guaranteed to light up the dance floor.  Beautiful acoustic guitars and excellent harmonies close the album with the interesting ballad "Rebecca."

There's no new ground being broken on Ruby.  Dickinson gives us expertly recorded rock and pop, with solid musicianship and crisp production.  Sometimes he gets a little sappy, but for anyone looking for some pure, clean music, Ruby fits the bill.