Musicians' Network
Music Review: Mike Filipek – Come On In!
Music Review
By Reggie
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Mike Filipek – Come on in!
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Editor’s Note: As we get going again, we’re featuring past reviews to help us get started. Here’s one from January 2002.
In order to expand the boundaries of pop-rock, popularity is usually required. Mike Filipek and his debut CD, Come On In!, are worthy of the admiration and jubilation of the music hungry masses. Consequently, if Mike can get the exposure he deserves and desires, he may just expand the pop-rock genré, and Big Beef and Beer will be proud to say they helped.
The current state of pop music is disgraceful. The canned and manufactured music and groups present the same trash again and again with an accent on style over substance. Come On In! is a breath of fresh air in an environment polluted with fluff. Mike Filipek is fresh, energetic, poetic, creative, impish, and a bit risqué all at the same time.
Sometimes, Mike tells stories that are straight forward and direct. Missed opportunities of the naughty kind are the the theme of Judy’s Sister and Over the Counter. In Judy’s Sister he laments “we should have done the motel,” and in OTC he bemoans (a bit devilishly) “I could be on a mattress but I’m sleeping on a cot.”
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Go see Mike!
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Mike also demonstrates a reflective, poetic side with his music. Perhaps the most beautiful song on this CD is Bring a Rainbow. The song is as soothing and peaceful as a rainbow. I’m unsure as to the meaning of the song, but Mike musically captures the presence of a rainbow and everything that it means. He geniusly puts an exclamation on the feeling by closing with one word – “certainty.”
Reflective and insightful aren’t always synonymous with peaceful. In fact, the main reason I enjoyed this CD so much is because of the consistently high energy levels and positive outlook even in the face disappointment. In Denied he sings “yesterday was tomorrow’s lie,” but moves on with “just denied, not a travesty, no empty hole inside. Just denied.” The title of the next track is consistent with his “let it roll” attitude – It’s Always Something.
Mike Filipek’s attempt to expand the boundaries of pop-rock may happen one person at a time, or one gig at a time. If I ever have the chance to see him live, I will. If he can bring this much energy to a CD, he must be fantastic live. I don’t get to the Evanston, Illinois area often (ever), so for now I’ll settle for the CD. You can give it a listen yourself, and even pick up a copy at www.mikefmusic.com. Expand your musical horizons!
Music Review: Mike Filipek - Come On In!,
are you the same mike filipek that used to live on parkside?