The timing of Scapegoat Wax—the brainchild of Marty James—couldn’t possibly be better. The success of Uncle Kracker’s “Follow Me” single and his Double Wide disc widens the prospects for James, who mines a similar hip-hop, rock, and pop landscape—though James’ sound is decidedly less aggressive and more lyrically introspective. Working with a bevy of producers that includes Eric Valentine (Smash Mouth) and Mario Contaldo Jr. (Beastie Boys), he succeeds in pulling off a few fresh ideas, sweetening such tracks as “Light of the Moon” and the single “Aisle 10 (Hello Allison)” with fun sound effects and clever keyboard lines. James is an adept, if somewhat technically limited vocalist. He brings an easy-going, everyman tone to his music that makes him an ultimately endearing figure.—LF
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