Fair Ain't Fair

As an artist, Tim Fite is a composite character. He defies easy categorization and he’s constantly skirting the margins looking for a new level of entry. The Brooklyn-based songwriter has railed against consumerism and issued an album (Over the Counter Culture) for free. He samples and loops obscure records and live performances until they are unrecognizable. His lyrics veer from pointed, angry words to brilliant satire and deliberately goofy comedy. He’s done folk music, hip-hop and mostly a weird amalgamation of styles where a little soft shoe meets an indie-rock death rattle. “The Names of All the Animals” creeps with an otherworldly chorus of voices. “Roots of a Tree” steps up the overwhelming frustration felt when you realize just how unfair the world can be. However, Fite is careful not to preach or moralize too much. He keeps his sense of humor and whimsy alive. “Big Mistake” could be a pop song for the radio. “Motorcade” is, in fact, a gentle ballad. However, it’s difficult to focus on one aspect, since its Fite’s manic whip-through style that makes the greatest impression and is his reason to create.