Jackie Highway - "Solid State Sun"

Angie Shyr has created a sunny, buoyant pop album, with the help of bassist, Jeremy Moses Curtis, and drummer, Benny Grotto. Shyr is a classically trained musician who wrote the songs, played strings and piano, and sings lead on all the songs. It is evident that she invested a lot of time, thought and heart into this compilation.

“Ride the High Tide” has a very catchy melody that I could imagine being used in a television or film score.

“What Happens” is a techno song about the past and future of the universe, sung in a syncopated beat. There’s a little guitar distortion and playful lyrics such as, “Hey Curvy Earth!” and “What happened to the handstand that landed Big Sur?” 

“Bach is my Boyfriend” is an instrumental piece that has a great title and features violins, viola and cello. It is written with both classical and pop music elements. It’s very creative and brings to mind the work of Wendy Carlos.

“Flowchart” is a bouncy theme that I could see being a big hit with the Muppets or some other kind of children’s television. It suggests the numerous joyous possibilities in life.

I would call “Hold You,” the crowning song on the album. She sings:

“Hold you in the light, hold you, hold you....”

This is a very pretty theme, reassuring and kind, with a beautiful violin over piano. It was written for her friend, Mary Lea Simpson, who passed away in a tragic accident. The album is dedicated to her as well.

Angie Shyr has a kind and loving heart which shines through in these compositions. If you’re feeling a little blue and you want to listen to something upbeat and joyful I recommend this CD. Visit her website: jackiehighway.com.

You can buy the entire Solid State Sun album or individual songs as digital downloads at the following two links:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/solid-state-sun/id701147891

http://jackiehighway.bandcamp.com