Richie Unterberger, "All Music Guide", USA:
"E.T. Doolin's self-titled debut is a modest but highly likable effort by a pleasing singer/songwriter who takes much of his inspiration (particularly melodically) from the early British Invasion. Specif [+]Richie Unterberger, "All Music Guide", USA:
"E.T. Doolin's self-titled debut is a modest but highly likable effort by a pleasing singer/songwriter who takes much of his inspiration (particularly melodically) from the early British Invasion. Specifically, many of the chord changes recall those of the early Beatles and Merseybeat, though there's a more confessional, personal tone to his lyrics than you'd hear in songs by Gerry & the Pacemakers and the like. In a significantly different mode, he also approximates the rockabilly of Creedence Clearwater Revival on "Traveler," and a Chuck Berry-influenced brand of power pop on "Come On, Hannah." It's the British Invasion-like love songs on which he shines brightest, though, with production that - unlike many post-'70s recordings with such heavy nods to the past - doesn't try too hard to pack on oomph. The full but tasteful sound is especially impressive given that everything was played by just two musicians, Doolin and Amit Poznansky. His slightly high and reedy voice will appeal to fans of Paul McCartney, Eric Carmen, and Badfinger, and while most of his compositions are good-hearted love odes, the melancholy "Down, Down" hints at more serious singer/songwriter ambitions."
Mike Bennett, "Fufkin", USA:
"A mid-fi recording steeped in traditional 50's and early 60's rock. Doolin's music comes from the same place as greats like Buddy Holly, Gene Pitney and Roy Orbison, and more modern artists like Chris Isaak, Billy Swan, Marshall Crenshaw and Billy Burnette. Doolin has a terrific voice -- he's not a powerhouse, but his vocals are well suited for the terrific trad songs he has whipped up. One song shows that he can equal those names. "Dreaming" is a moody ballad somewhere between Isaak and The Everly Brothers, which moves from harmony inflected verses to a crooning chorus that builds beautifully, to a melody that rises and rises with a heartbreaking drop at the end. It is simply a great song. He is also good at the mid-tempo rock and roll shuffle, as shown by "Why Do You Remind Me of Someone?" Again, Doolin sticks to the demands of the genre, but he does it so well, both in terms of the song (great middle eight, by the way) and his performance. His voice is perfect for playing the hurt guy and his guitar p
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