Monday, September 30, 2019

New national reviews of Social Media Anxiety Disorder

From the forthcoming issue of Goldmine (national print magazine)

"Dan Israel has a storied resume. With 15 albums to his credit, he’s made his mark as a gifted singer and songwriter of exceptional ability. Recorded at two studios in his Twin Cities environs, his new record, Social Media Anxiety Disorder is strikingly different from his earlier efforts in some distinct
ways and in others, a return to his rock ‘n’ roll roots. The cover alone makes it look like a collection of radio-ready hits from decades past and indeed, it finds Israel dabbling in a very
diverse pop pastiche. While every song in the set is distinct and distinctive, all share a common cause, that is, to replay a classic sound that remains the essence of a reliable rock repast. As a result, the collection offers a wide swath of sounds, from the snarky sensibilities of, say, Elvis
Costello, to hints of supreme psychedelia, to straight-ahead hook-filled rockers and over the top anthems. That makes Social Media Anxiety Disorder smart, savvy and a clear reflection of Israel’s ability to combine memorable melodies with an irrepressible attitude." - Lee Zimmerman
dan israel

social media anxiety disorder
(self-released)
After twenty-plus years, Minneapolis singer/songwriter (and, for us old-timers, ex-leader of Potter’s Field) Dan Israel has proven himself an expert at navigating the wide-open field between power pop and roots rock. On his fifteenth LP, he’s expanded his reach. The moody “Still I’m Lost” and knotty “125” dive straight into psychedelia, while “Here For Today” nods to the Faces and “Just Can’t Take It” folds synth-pop into his milieu. “Just Can’t Take It Revisited” even makes a successful stab at experimental rock. That’s on top of sterling Americana like “Tired” and sparkling power pop like “Be My Girl.” Spreading his wings has led Israel to his best album yet. (danisraelmusic.com) – Michael Toland, for The Big Takeover magazine