Dan Cross, Cup of Thrills (from last year archived here)

 25 hours into this album. It’s become a part of me by now. I may be a little biased, but it was my purpose to dive deep and write about the rewards you’ll find in the many layers of Dan Cross. I’m walking you through the first five songs, the rest of the album you’re free to talk about in the comments. Even if you don’t share the record, I think everyone can benefit from a listen. 

I’ve been familiar with Dan a while and I was a fan of his album, “Atheist Anthems,” so I was coming from that perspective. If you are completely new to Dan Cross, welcome, or maybe not. He doesn’t waste time letting you know if this is your music. It is definitely targeted at those who like to think or argue while they rock out. It’s a higher purpose than making a million. It is the new high art; that is to say, Dan has made himself incredibly interesting with talents and pointed messages blended with craft and emotion. He’s tough, but he’s an open wound. He’s intellectual, yet primal. He’s deceptively sober. He’s generous and loving, yet itching for a fight. He batters you with suave intensity until you submit to his voice and words sink in, as his honey-like tones ooze out of the speakers and onto the carpet. 

The album starts off with “Attraction.” The first verse is a basic introduction into the style of Dan. He doesn’t waste time. He doesn’t want to lead you on with fancy superlatives. His first line of the album is, in fact, a question. “How do you think we even got here?” He goes on to say, “God is a liar, he’s down here on earth.” It’s almost like he wants us to turn it off first thing if we are easily offended with atheist and sex talk. That’s a great move, because there’s plenty of that on the album. It’s delicious in its balance of conscience vs conventional thought. Some people simply won’t like it, and Dan did a real nice thing here in giving them an out within the first five minutes. But, those that do like it will find their insides on Dan’s outsides. It is a safe atmosphere in which to relate to impulses and truths. In short, it is a lot like class. There’s a lot of sex and education. Pretty fun stuff, if you ask me. But, not for everyone.

“Greed” is a lurching character that exists in a lot of folks below the surface. Dan nails it. He simply sounds insane with impulse control. When we get greedy, it’s because we have an urge run riot. Dan plays a character here with urges, alright. It’s not often we get to hear songs by “the bad guy.” It is thoughtfully fun to dive into and explore these impulses taking over. It even made me examine my own impulses. Probably why I’m writing this. 

I guess I should stop and talk about the “music music.” Dan plays guitar and keyboard and his songs sound great. But it’s his voice that carries you into the stratosphere at a very steady clip. Dan is remarkably consistent in his delivery, his sound, and his quality. He obviously has a vast rock and roll knowledge as there’s influences from late 60’s all the way up to last year. He repeats a chorus sometimes, but it’s never unpleasant. It’s driving into your brain, like a wedge in a rock, removing the plaque of nostalgia and tradition. He’s a quality entertainer who seems driven to express his observations before he kicks it. In the end, you can’t beat the music of Dan Cross if you like classic or indie alt rock. It’s the complete package. Every song is enjoyable from a classic rock to alt rock perspective. There’s loads of great hooks, arrangements, even a wah pedal I heard on “Delivery Boy.” 

“Feel It” is a delightful disco sound in a haunted house. When you get over the arrangement, listen to the lyrics. Once again we are on a journey here of passion going out of control, or running out of time. No one on earth but Dan Cross could pull this arrangement off. The disco sweaty sex and purely raw lyrics of internal banter, the pent up feeling of it all, is written and performed flawlessly. He starts off repeating “Good Things Take Time.” After the song, I wonder what the hell ‘good’ is. Is it good as in morally good? Or good as in feels good? Are they the same thing? Wonderful disco philosophy brought to you by DJ Dan. 

“Myself & Myself” includes perhaps the simplest, catchiest riff ever. I’m quite upset I didn’t think of it, “myself.” This song is one of those first listens that feels like a song you have heard before but can’t name. There’s nothing here to take you out. There’s only smooth guitar, Dan’s voice, and the sensation of moving. The lyrics don’t ever disappoint on this album but on this one in particular I love the harmonies they’re delivered with. This song is a hit, whatever a hit is nowadays, maybe I’ll write about that soon. 

“Gone Insane” has one of the best lyrics on the record. “I walk these streets just to clear my name.” When you think about how deep that line is, to me, in the context of original sin, we are proving to others we are not crazy by showing up to social functions. It’s like church. You’re somehow born wrong unless you go through motions. Maybe I’m insane, but this song speaks to me and the last verse has spooky implications. 

Here is “Cup of Thrills” on Bandcamp. I invite you to listen. Feel free to chat about what this record is to you. If you enjoy it, buy it or share it. But welcome. If you enjoy this record, there’s some tough spots in the world for you. You may be dealing with intolerance, or religious oppression. I started off this journey for Dan, as a favor, but now it’s for you as an extension of his gift.