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Album review: The Baseball Project

By Nick Cristiano The Philadelphia Inquirer

Rock

The Baseball Project

Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails5 stars out of 5

Even for an effort that combines two of our favorite things — baseball and rock and roll — The Baseball Project exceeds expectations. The heavy hitters here, Steve Wynn and Scott McCaughey (with the help of guitarist Peter Buck and drummer Linda Pitmon), knock this baby right out of the park.

The wildly inspired songs by Wynn and McCaughey celebrate the National Pastime from the perspective of two boomers who know the game inside out and love it, warts and all. The tunes are sharp-witted, but they also can be bittersweet — witness the first-person tales of pioneers Jackie Robinson and Curt Flood. And Sometimes I Dream of Willie Mays is a poignant reverie about witnessing the decline of Mays, but the two writers never slip into maudlin sentiment. And to make sure all the bases are covered, these ace pop craftsmen couch their baseball mania in exceptionally tuneful, hook-heavy music.

Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer