Manousos, Paul
Common Thread
The new album and second solo release Common Thread finds Paul teamed up once again with Steve Fisk and some excellent local players who have been since dubbed The East Bay Wrecking Crew. The record features mostly live vocals and talented Seattle-based artist Carrie Akre (Hammerbox, Goodness) performs guest vocals on "Real World," "Rhumba #23 (Crazy)" and the cover of Merle Haggards "Silver Wings." From the driving guitar riff energy of the second track "Stay Awake" to the political stylings of "Real World," Manousos knack for creating songs with indelible choruses and hooks is apparent. Both his piano and acoustic guitar prowess is on display, managing to remain quite audible under that massively fantastic voice.