You can probably imagine how excited I was when I heard that Natalie Sweet and Brad Marino would be collaborating on a new single. These are two of my favorite people in music joining forces to make a record with my two favorite labels. I knew this was a huge deal, and the resulting release does not disappoint. Out today on Reta Records and Rum Bar Records, "Second Time"/"Over My Head" features brand-new smash hits from both of these amazing artists. But this is no ordinary split single -- it's a true collaboration! Sweet and Marino each came to this project with a new song idea and then benefited from having the other add parts to it. Each track is in the signature style of its lead artist, but the input of both songwriters is easy to hear. That says a lot about the talent of these two individuals, but it also says a lot about how well their musical styles complement each other.
If you're a fan of the punky new wave power pop that Sweet specializes in, "Second Time" will have you shouting in delight. I love the way Sweet and Marino have crafted a massively-catchy and musically upbeat tune that tackles a bummer theme: getting dumped...twice. Songs about heartbreak are the lifeblood of power pop, and this one doubles down on the formula. Perhaps you'll relate due to personal experience. Perhaps you'll be moved by Sweet's genuine storytelling. Either way, you'll be dancing and singing along in no-time flat. In some alternative universe where it's eternally 1982, this song is already rocketing up the charts! Storytelling also looms large in the Marino/Sweet duet "Over My Head." With the two singers trading parts, you get immensely differing points of view of the same romantic entanglement. In fact, it seems the male character is slow to realize that it even is an entanglement. That is the source of the tension -- and joy -- in this song. Somehow "Over My Head" ends up being both hilarious and relatable -- quite a winning combination. Marino has a knack for writing songs like this that recall the pure pop side of the Ramones, and Sweet's additions put this tune over the top.
It all started with Natalie Sweet seeking connection during the pandemic. She went looking for cool people to write songs with, and Brad Marino answered the call. I knew these two would make an awesome record together, but "Second Time"/"Over My Head" is even beyond what I was expecting. These are two of the best pop songs of this year or any other. Sweet and Marino make a formidable duo, and it will be a major disappoint if they don't record together again. If you wish to own a vinyl copy (three versions are available!) of "Second Time"/"Over My Head," you are advised to hit up the Reta and Rum Bar Bandcamps sooner rather than later! Seriously: do it!
https://retarecords.bandcamp.com/album/second-time-over-my-head
https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/natalie-sweet-brad-marino
https://nataliesweet.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/reta.records
https://www.facebook.com/bradmarinomusic
https://instagram.com/reta.records/
https://instagram.com/missnattieice/
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords
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