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Album Reviews

Fractured Poetry (2020)

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Gorgeous Songs/Beautiful Poetry 
Tony Mecca's gravel-soul voice really pulls me in. I've been a fan of his Heavy MeNtal Gypsys for six years and have caught the band live a couple times. On this album they up their game. The sweet harmonies, the delightful strings, the sharp, bright arrangements had me tapping my feet and bobbing my head from start to finish. Not a wasted note, not one filler track. Mecca is a top-notch songwriter in his prime, his band is simply joyous, and the production quality on this record is outstanding. From the rocking opener "Fun House" to the plaintive "Lonely Lisa," to the sweet and meditative title track and its instrumental reprise, the album is a potent and deeply satisfying emotional journey. On songs like "The Best Laid Plans," long-time collaborator Stephanie Davis-Gonzalez harmonizes with Tony so delightfully it reminds me of effortless sibling harmonies from legends like the Everly Brothers. It's two singing as one — Davis-Gonzalez's voice complementing Mecca's, blending into a singular sound not unlike Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. Mecca has gathered a fantastic group of musicians who lend their talents in support of a gorgeous, well made album that I recommend to anyone who loves thoughtful, poetic, well made rock and roll. (5 out of 5 stars)
Louis Greenstein/ Amazon 8/21/20

 

I Think Your New Album Is Brilliant!
Unlike a lot of the new music I have heard, this work is worthy of multiple listens. What impressed me is using great songs, with lyrics that actually speak to the listener." 
Gene Leone / via email 8/19/20

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Purchase Fractured Poetry Here!

Heavy Mental Gypsies (2016)

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"Tony Mecca has a love affair with Rock and Roll music. If you're fortunate enough to catch his band, the Heavy Mental Gypsys live, or to sit down and give a good listen to his latest CD, you will fall in love too. From the opening track, the Mecca-penned "The Farmer," through nearly two dozen songs, Mecca's gravel-voiced authenticity, his emotionally honest lyrics, catchy refrains and rousing choruses, along with the band's effortless rhythms and fun-filled hooks are guaranteed to lift your soul and make you grin.

Lovingly composed and masterfully produced, Heavy Mental Gypsies belongs in any serious music lover's collection. Mecca's music is like the Broad Street Subway: Deep, thunderous, rattling and direct. It's quite a ride. It will get you there." (5 of 5 stars)
Louis Greenstein / Amazon  2/15/16Add text

Purchase Heavy Mental Gypsies Now!

FUN (2011)

"One of the finest singer/songwriters in Philadelphia today is Tony Mecca. I don't often review independent artists, but occasionally I will stumble upon one that is worthy of recognition. Tony Mecca is one of those artists. This album is some of the best music I've heard in quite awhile. If you like Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello or rock music generally, there is truly something for everyone on this disc." (5 of 5 stars)
Johnny Boy / AMAZON REVIEW 3/15/11

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"I've had the privilege of getting Tony Mecca out to perform at some of the Cabaret nights I run in Philadelphia. His music is never less than completely enchanting. He has the incredible ability to grab an audience from all walks of life. I've watched as people from the ages of 9 to 89 lean forward as he attacks his music. I've just begun listening to his collection of CDs, and find them provocative and challenging. I'm honored to have met this man and his music." (5 of 5 stars) ...
Ken Bingham AMAZON 6/28/11

Pruchase Fun Here!

HELLO, GOODBYE & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN (2007)

"Beautiful east coast Romanticism! "HELLO, GOODBYE …" recounts tales of life and love in the blue-collar South Philly, Irish/Italian neighborhood where Mecca has spent his life. “Americana rootsy” w/ lyrics reminiscent of Springsteen or Cohen but with a gritty Philly twist. A wonderful effort - Highly recommended".
(5 of 5 stars) ... James MacMillan / AMAZON REVIEW 10/12/07

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HELLO, GOODBYE & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN is the Everly Brothers, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp from a blender, poured into melodic Americana via street-level tales of everyboy and everygirl loving, longing, working and watching life play itself out. Genuine innocence - whatever became of it? Mecca and friends turn back the clock keeping it sweet and simple via tunes like "An American Kid," "Annie Walks Through Town," "The Night We Danced" - pretty much any of the 22 tracks offered here. A great slice of Americana!"
(12 of 16 stars) ... John Collinge / Progession Magazine
Lowell, MA 6/20/07
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"I'm going to stop at 'Plain Jane and Average Joe' because I'll write forever. “Just two unknown faces in the book of so and so” – Like just another dreamer dreaming about everyman. I thought Tony Mecca’s new CD was four stars, and I thought his live concert was even better. I have paid good money for bigger names and received far less. As I exclaimed that night – BRAVO!"
Jay Schwietzer - Pine Island, New York 6/2/07

 

PRINCES OF THE NEW DARK AGE (2005)

"Philadelphia balladeer Tony Mecca might best be described as an "undiscovered talent" who, in the hands of the right production team, could generate ripples on the Pop/AOR front. These CDs are rootsy pop a la Bruce Springsteen/Billy Joel/Tom Petty, etc., that is melodically accomplished, catchy and fun to listen to. In fact, the material on these two self-produced discs is strong enough to question why some label hasn't snagged the guy and given him a shot at wider audiences.

Mecca has a slightly rough voice that fits the lyrics well - ruminations on friends, loves, growing pains and life's ironies. Pick most any track from these two albums and you'll find a ditty worth sinking your teeth into. A gem like "Say Goodbye to Judas," (from Princes... ) for instance, might leave you wondering what radio station you heard it on first.
(11 of 16 stars) ...  John Collinge / Progression Magazine
Lowell, MA 12/9/06

Purchase Princes of the New Dark Ages here!

PURPLE MONKEYS (2003)

"Philadelphia balladeer Tony Mecca might best be described as an "undiscovered talent" who, in the hands of the right production team, could generate ripples on the Pop/AOR front. These CDs are rootsy pop a la Bruce Springsteen/Billy Joel/Tom Petty, etc., that is melodically accomplished, catchy and fun to listen to. In fact, the material on these two self-produced discs is strong enough to question why some label hasn't snagged the guy and given him a shot at wider audiences.

Mecca has a slightly rough voice that fits the lyrics well - ruminations on friends, loves, growing pains and life's ironies. Pick most any track from these two albums and you'll find a ditty worth sinking your teeth into. A gem like "Say Goodbye to Judas," (from Princes... ) for instance, might leave you wondering what radio station you heard it on first.
(11 of 16 stars) ... John Collinge / Progression Magazine
Lowell, MA 12/9/06

Purchase Purple monkeys here!