Advertising

Tot Taylor is a gifted musician whose witty songwriting talents receive the perfect creative outlet on Advertising's lone album, Jingles. Refusing to allow romantic rejection to spoil his festive mood, Taylor crafts his tales of failed relationships with singular humor and sprightly pop hooks. Guitarist/songwriter Simon Boswell and guest producer Kenny Laguna provide the most significant assistance (especially on their manic collaboration, "Stolen Love"), but Taylor is clearly the dominant force on Jingles. Nearly every song features clever wordplay, driving tempos, and brisk guitars, all of which converge on the album's opener, "Lipstick." Sounding like a cartoon version of the Buzzcocks, the song relates Taylor's hilarious incompatibility with a girl whose "lips stick." More of the same is evident on "Ich Liebe Dich," which offers the wry observation "you're just a little German girl/well you're no Ingrid Bergman girl" before arriving at a chorus which questions "why must I be rich/for you to say Ich Liebe Dich." Although most of the songs speed along with the vigor of punk-pop, the album's highlight is the leisurely, atmospheric "You Cost Too Much," an amusing confession of all the anticipated obstacles in an affair doomed to fail before it begins. Taylor's self-deprecating esprit softens the slightly misogynist tone of his accusatory diatribes, and allows the listener to laugh at his insecurities. Yet as entertaining as the lyrics may be, equal time and effort is devoted to the music, resulting in ultra-catchy melodies and effective background harmonies. The biggest problem with Jingles is that it ends too soon, and Taylor departed for a prolific (albeit obscure) solo career before Advertising had a chance to follow up its one shining moment. ~ Vince Ripol, All Music Guide