Anthony Robustelli
Grown Tired of the Con (2002)

review by: Mike Spinney
Date: 4/10/03

Surprise, surprise.

Before popping Grown Tired of the Con into my player, I peeked at the accompanying biographical information. I really shouldn't do that because I'm an admitted "judge a book by its cover" kind of guy.

I thought the picture of Anthony Robustelli in a overly shaggy fur collared coat, too-tiny smoked shades, and black watchcap was trying a bit too hard to cop some sort of cool look, as if a supposedly hip wardrobe might make up for a lack of musical talent.

Long story short, I dreaded pushing "play," convinced Rubustelli's music would suck.

To my delight, Grown Tired of the Con was the opposite of suck. In fact, I found myself paying close attention to Robustelli's collection of tunes that all displayed a good deal of creative artistry wrapped in a style I'll describe as funked-up Steely Dan.

Grown Tired of the Con, issued by Shady Bear Records, is ten Robustelli originals that combine an interesting mix of instrumentation with competent lyricism. Each song is enjoyable on its own, but in total they complement and unify, without being monotonous.

Jumping off with "Taste," one song hands neatly off to another, building to a peak on the sixth track called "The Way." From here, some sweet techno-bop intros "Even," then moves into the final three cuts that slow the pace a bit without losing momentum, demonstrating Robustelli's skill and awareness of the importance of artful packaging.

For more information, visit www.anthonyrobustelli.com, or call Shady Bear Records at 917-328-6723.