Thud

Kevin Gilbert played and wrote on numerous albums and was a veteran of the L.A. music scene by the time he released his solo debut, Thud. Tragically, Gilbert would die in an accidental suicide two years later. In hindsight, his death makes several moments on Thud rather eerie. Producing the record himself, Gilbert serves up introspective songs that have the same pop sensibility as Sheryl Crow, whom he was involved with musically as an instrumental contributor to her first record. Gilbert's voice is fairly nondescript, but the intelligent lyrics, often bordering on sardonic, give the songs punch. "Joytown" is a fine example, with its musings on contemporary life littered with pop culture icons over a bluesy shuffle. "Tea for One" adds a toy piano to the mix to good effect. Literate, adult rock that serves as a testament to Gilbert's talent.