MIKE ZITO Source: North of the Border Date: 08/2008 Writer: Dave Miller

This St. Louis native has become known to critics and fans as one of the best singer/songwriter/guitarists of the day. This release brings a flow of captivating tunes, ranging from the opening “Love Like This” with it’s stinging guitar and growling vocals, to the gritty “Dirty Things”, with its theme of love despite the pain. In fact, his distinctive vocals set him apart from the pack, with an expressive, scratchy sound that says he’s been “around the block”, but not so much to damage his vocal chords, but rather to “season” them, like a barrel of good whiskey. His cover of Prince’s 1983 hit, “Little Red Corvette” is different enough to make it his own, yet is still recognizable as the hit that it became. Cuts like “Hollywood” highlight his string-bending guitar work, but the tender lament, “Time To Go Home” proved that he can croon a ballad with the best of them (it has to be my favorite cut from the bunch), and it is a fitting finale to a group of songs that cement his reputation as a premier singer/songwriter. As a fan of original music, I compare this to Ian Moore’s 1993 eponymous album, both in the style of songwriting and delivery, as well as overall feel and subject matter, especially in “Universe” (which reminds me of “Blue Sky”). And that is about as good a compliment as I could give any musician. But it’s all Mike’s own stuff, and he has done a remarkable job of writing, performing and delivering this music. It’s very highly recommended. Find him at www.mikezito.com