SIMON FELTON ~ FAILING IN BIOLOGY

Simon is the wizard behind the great curtain of Oz he’s tagged as Pink Hedgehog Records. This guy truly loves a well crafted nugget from the power pop vein and he obviously works hard mining his claim. Failing In Biology is a testament to his devotion. 'Mister Magic Eyes' works on many levels. The perfectly executed jangle of rhythm guitar, the top of the beat pulse of the snare, beautifully blended harmonies, plus a quick, get in there and do your job, tasty guitar solo. It’s the “total package” cliché but it applies. 'In The Attic' would make the perfect B-side to 'Mister Magic Eyes'. I say that because I remember a time when the B-side had to stand up to the hit and on occasion it was an even better song. If power pop is your thing then you need this.

Reviewed at Ear Candy by J.R. Oliver, USA

Public officer, professional musician, psychologist, owner of label, leader of band... any of these categories would serve to define the British Simon Felton. But today we are interested in loving of the melodies and the harmonies, in the untiring search of the perfect pop song. The singer-songwriter of Weymouth, who is also leader of Garfields Birthday and owner of Pink Hedgehog Records, presents his new solo album Failing In Biology, where he counted on the luxurious aid of Alan Strawbridge and Californian cult-hero Anton Barbeau. 'Mister Magic Eyes' of face already delivers the essential influences of Felton - its jingle-jangle guitars, with the solo courtesy of Mr. Barbeau and the friendly and adhesive melodies. The beautiful vocal harmonizations fly in the seductive 'In The Attic' and the piano and “la-la-la's” help to create the soft environment of '(It's Not) Rocket Science'.

The bossanova helps establish the psychedelic ambience of the 60s in 'Paisley Man'. Already the song 'Me' makes reference to The Beachs Boys and The Bee Gees, but it is more for British pop of the Eighties. In 'The Latest Thing', Felton still finds perfect pop that he searched for and counts on the guest guitar of Barbeau. Percussion and vibraphone for acoustic ballad 'Goodbye', while the climatic 'Neptune's Fountain' closes the record, with the psychedelic textures of Barbeau's guitar and the sounds of the autoharp of Strawbridge. No E in the end, nor do we go to ask for details on the irony of the title, Disapproved In Biology, that conjugated with the art - it could give what to speak. The pop diploma that he's interested in, Simon Felton obtained in Failing In Biololgy, with honours.

Reviewed at Power Pop Station by Paolo Miléa, BRAZIL

This infectious power-pop-psych solo debut from the Garfield’s Birthday frontman (and Pink Hedgehog labelhead) was recorded over six days on spit and chewing gum, but California cult hero, Anton Barbeau and Lucky Bishops/Cheese keyboardist, Alan Strawbridge’s drywall of sound co-production and multi-instrumental backing still manages to coax wonders out of Felton’s bedsitter images. Tastefully adorned with Barbeau’s razor-sharp solos and Strawbridge’s bank of melodicas, vibraphones, and autoharps, it’s a bit more sedate than GB, particularly the dreamy psych mantra ‘Paisely Man’ and the heartbreakingly nostalgic breakup song ‘Goodbye.’ The short (half-hour) amicable set is wrought with McCartney and Difford/Tilbrook-isms, and ‘Mister Magic Eyes’ and ‘Neptune’s Fountain’ are potential killer singles that belong on the Summer charts. Felton’s amiable delivery also makes him seem just the sort of chap you’d want to spend the afternoon with down the local pub. (9/10)

Reviewed at Foxy Digitalis by Jeff Penczak, USA

The Pink Hedgehog label, a respected brand in power pop circles, received a welcome shot of recognition when one of its alumni, Hamfatter, memorably appeared on the BBC's Dragon's Den programme. Failing In Biology sees the label's head honcho, the ever-enthusiastic Simon Felton, receiving a welcome chance to shine in his own right. Long-term fans of Simon's band Garfields Birthday will gleefully recognise his bulletproof pop sensibility and signature self-deprecating wit in this latest set of songs, but may be bowled over anew by the heft and muscularity of 'Mister Magic Eyes' and 'Me', which call to mind The Posies and Husker Du respectively. Elsewhere, a fresh palette of production ideas including tastily deployed melodica, vibraphone and percussion lends a fitting depth and space to more introspective compositions such as 'Paisley Man', 'Stupid Song' and 'Goodbye'. Gold star collaboraters Anton Barbeau and Alan Strawbridge bring brio and understated panache to the party, and the whole enterprise exudes sure-footed class.

Reviewed in Shindig! by Marco Rossi, UK

SIMON FELTON is the owner of the U.K - based pop/psych label Pink Hedgehog, as well as a principal in the power pop group GARFIELDS BIRTHDAY. For his first solo album, he’s enlisted the help of two members of the extended Hedgehog family: multi-instrumentalist ALAN STRAWBRIDGE of THE LUCKY BISHOPS and CHEESE and cult singer/songwriter ANTON BARBEAU. It’s a great fit – Barbeau and Strawbridge move Felton beyond the clean ‘n’ sweet confines of his main band into trippier, more eccentric waters, without obscuring the intrinsically appealing qualities of Felton’s super-melodic tunes or plaintive vocals. The result is a ridiculously accessible, often stunning collection of power pop tunes that can stand proudly beside tracks from acknowledged masters like JASON FALKNER or Barbeau himself. 'Wait and See', 'Me' and 'Mister Magic Eyes' are perfect storms of all things good in guitar-based pop music. “In the time it takes to sing this song,” Felton opines in '(It’s Not) Rocket Science', “You could probably write a better one.” I seriously doubt that. Utterly wonderful.

Reviewed at The Big Takeover by Michael Toland, USA

Fans of indie-pop will be interested in Failing In Biology by Simon Felton. Formerly of Garfields Birthday, Felton now releases his debut solo album in the shape of ten tunes each of around three minutes duration. 'Mister Magic Eyes' and 'In The Attic' set the pattern of the album, being sonic confections with strong melodies. Definitely some singles here. 'Paisley Man' shows off the skill of Felton's songwriting, with great minor/major key changes and another good tune. Felton's voice is light and mellow, a little like Ian Broudie if you could remove Broudie's Liverpool accent, while the musicianship of the other two main players is exemplary. 'Me' is more of a rocker than the mellow tunes so far on show, while 'Neptune's Fountain' has a delightful Byrds-esque feel to it. An assured debut of considerable charm.

Reviewed at Terrascope Online, UK

Simon Felton, to which the English label Pink Hedgehog Records (among other things Peter Lacey, Hamfatter, Mondo Jet Set) belongs, publishes with Failing In Biology its first real solo album. That means in this case, which is not mentioned album CD-R. One marks to the ten of song that Simon Felton has already much experience as songwriter and its little hand for melodies not without is. Despite the simplicity and its december ducks Low-Fi-Charakters are effectively and charmingly in usual those of song. And, only so besides more than the material its volumes Garfields Birthday convince. The angeraute 'Mister Magic Eyes' is particularly worth mentioning, 'In The Attic' (hear I tea-gnaw there Teenage Fanclub out?), the quiet 'Wait And See' and '(It's Not) Rocket Science' (beautiful guitar melody!) and the folky 'Goodbye'. 7.5 out of 10.

Reviewed at Swiss Records by Robert Pally, SWITZERLAND

This is the very catchy, extremely impressive, 100% British, debut solo release from Pink Hedgehog Records' head honcho (try saying that fast five times)/leader of Garfields Birthday. The record was co-produced by Anton Barbeau and Alan Strawbridge (Lucky Bishops/Cheese) (they also both provide musical accompaniment as well throughout), which might make you expect something psychedelic, and there are certainly dashes of that in the mix. It's a concise and punchy collection of shiny pop gems!

Reviewed for Kool Kat Musik by Ray Gianchetti, USA

It is always a pleasure to hear a record of pure, simple rock, touched well, without frescuras. E is very good for hearing Anton Barbeau acting "apenas" as a musician and unweaving ensandecidos ground as in the opening with 'Necessity Magic Eyes'. In its new alone record, Simon mounted a respect trio; beyond it in the vocal ones, low e guitar, if united with the proper Anton and Alan Strawbridge. The two last ones, by the way, had taken care of of the production of the CD. E that CD! In 10 bands, what one hears are light musics, bem-humoradas, mixing the simple rock, with amused ballads, letters and everything what pop makes a good record. Unhappyly, as always, it did not leave in Brazil. But this still makes an impression? Then, to buy it goes until the site of the Pink Hedgehog.

Reviewed at Mofo by Rubens Leme Da Costa, BRAZIL

If you are a fan of Anton Barbeau and Statuesque, you need to pick up a copy of Failing in Biology, the first solo album by Simon Felton. Simon is the guy behind the U.K.'s Pink Hedgehog Records (which released a couple of Anton Barbeau CDs) and he previously played bass with the band Garfields Birthday. The CD was produced by Anton and Alan Strawbridge (The Lucky Bishops), which might make you expect something psychedelic, and there is a dash of that in the mix, but it leans much more strongly in a pure pop direction. Clocking in at a concise 30 minutes, Failing in Biology will charm you with tunes like 'Mister Magic Eyes', which sounds like a lost 1970s AM radio classic, and the sweet pop gem '(It's Not) Rocket Science', which opens with the line: "In the time it takes to sing this song/You could probably write a better one." Not likely, Simon! The album's release date is May 18 but you can preorder it at Pink Hedgehog.

Reviewed at 125 Records by Sue Trowbridge, USA

Simon Felton is a member (vocals/bass) of the UK indie pop band Garfields Birthday. Failing In Biology marks his first solo release, which in many ways is another candle on the cake of Garfields Birthday. That statement is meant as a compliment, as parallels drawn to Garfields Birthday are a good thing in my book! There continues to be a strong Connells vibe here with a perfect blend of guitar driven pop and more reflective, mellow pop. For instance, Felton kicks things off the peppy 'Mister Magic Eyes', which features some boisterous guitar and rollicking drums. Quick to follow is the bouncy 'In The Attic', a snappy number that should have your toes tapping along to the beat.

'(It's Not) Rocket Science', one of the contenders for my favorite track, is a pleasant midtempo number with a hook that quickly gets under your skin. In contrast, the closing track 'Neptune's Fountain' is a breezy acoustic affair that has a certain charm that makes me want to play it again. Overall, a very solid release from Mr. Felton that should not only please fans of Garfields Birthday, but also anyone who enjoys classic Connells, The Judybats, or what Morrissey has been doing lately. Watch for Failing In Biology to drop on May 18, 2009 on Pink Hedgehog. As an aside, Felton's debut CD gets my vote for coolest album title of the year so far!

Reviewed at Bill's Music Forum, USA

Simon Felton’s long player is the latest on Pink Hedgehog, a label that experiments with folk equations and mildly twisted underground MOR. The music is safe, but only of a fashion and you’d be well advised to look out for the odd surprise. We’ll forgive their promotion of Hamfatter (the infamous Dragon’s Den band) and concentrate on Simon Felton’s rather charming album. Failing In Biology contains a series of well recorded, reflective, lightly broiled guitar tunes. Felton lilts some impressively structured songs, mixing in post Beatles atmospherics into his low tempo ballads. MMM.

Reviewed at Music-Dash by Emily Slowlie, UK

Ah, we know Anton Barbeau and he's a third of the band, so this Simon Felton bloke must be alright, eh? Yeah, not too shabby and as you might expect there's a lot of slow-burn-core-guitar shoegazing the shit out of the joint, but there's also a whole whacka macca in tracks like 'In The Attic'. So we have a kind of barefoot, psychedelic, popped up run around the effects pedals, all framed by melodic, west coast rock stuff. Pleasant. Very pleasant.

Reviewed at Unpeeled, UK

So I guess Jeremy isn't the only label exec that can play a tune? Pink Hedgehog Records' owner Simon Felton has his own debt out now. No stranger to this, he's also the bass player for the band Garfields Birthday. Simon is assisted by both Anton Barbeau and Alan Strawbridge (Lucky Bishops/Cheese) and that's considerable pop muscle! The album sounds a bit like The Spongetones "lite", especially the opener 'Mister Magic Eyes' with it's jangley pop guitar strumming. Some of the songs have a slight psychedelic touch like 'Paisley Man' and it reminds me a bit of Gerry and The Pacemakers.

Another highlight is the warm and fuzzy 'The Latest Thing' which is a subtle dig at newer bands lack of success, done in a Beatlesque style. Another fun observation is the song '(It's Not) Rocket Science', which opens with the line: "In the time it takes to sing this song/You could probably write a better one." The entire album was recorded in six days on a very tight budget. You wouldn't notice this as the musicianship is excellent, but the hooks aren't as strong as they could be here. The slower ballads 'Wait And See' and 'Goodbye' are a bit too placid to be memorable either. Compared with Garfields Birthday, the album is admittedly lightweight. But for fans of jangle pop and soft AM radio classics you will find plenty to like here.

Reviewed at Powerpopaholic by Aaron Kupferberg, USA