Action Figure Party
Keyboardist Greg Kurstin is best known as a founder of the eclectic rock combo Geggy Tah. With Action Figure Party, Kurstin steps out of character to create what could be described as an interesting collision between the Beastie Boys' groovier work and Steely Dan's sophisticated mix of jazz and pop. Kurstin's percolating electric keyboard work kicks out catchy melody after catchy melody, and he also takes a vocal turn on a couple of tracks. Kurstin hasn't forgotten his friends, and here he's supported by a crew that reads more like the A-list at the Viper Room than a list of sidemen for a groovy jazz album (Flea appears, as does Sean Lennon--on turntables no less). But even with his revolving crew, Kurstin keeps the music fun and focused--the songs have a taut pop polish and memorable melodies that truly hold up under repeated listens. And that was likely his objective from the beginning of this project.--Tad Hendrickson