James Cassara

Joe Pagetta Joywood (with other songs and stories) Fully Dressed Records

New Jersey native Joe Pagetta is gifted with that elusive roots rocker quality of simultaneously sounding both tantalizingly familiar and altogether distinct. His deference to small town America certainly hearkens back to John Mellencamp while his gruff vocals recall more than a bit of Dave Alvin. Toss in a bit of incessantly clever Elvis Costello like turning of a phrase, not to mention Pagetta's own fondness for a catchy hook, and you've got a combination of wit and muscle that's pretty hard to resist. Given such stylistic nods what is most impressive about Joywood is how altogether personal and cohesive an effort it is. Kudos certainly go to producer George Marinelli, Jr. whose own pop inclinations flawlessly compliment Pagetta's more earthy sheen, but it's the artist's songwriting that really shines. Whether tackling the confessional in "My Biggest Enemy" or exposing his folk roots with "Talking One Thing" Pagetta's melodies are sharp, concise, and deliberate. His band anchors him with steady confidence and for his own part he rarely falters. The album's themes are as universal as they are thoughtful and Pagetta delivers them in impressive fashion.

It's a tough world out there and there is little doubt that, given a different era and another set of circumstances, Pagetta has the goods to make a mark not unlike another certain scruffy faced rebel from the Jersey shore. As it is he'll likely have to settle for knowing that with Joywood he has added something meaningful and valuable to the already crowded world of tough nosed singer/songwriting, given us his best effort, and hope we'll do our part. ***1/2 (starred review)