Review
Toh Kay
Streetlight Lullabies

I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews about this record, and based on the feedback received, I think it’s a really underrated album. Is it perfect? No, but it’s very rare to find a completely flawless album. Is it worth listening to? Of course, this is Tomas Kalnoky we’re talking about here. If you haven’t heard by now Streetlight Lullabies is Kalnoky’s latest solo release of stripped down, acoustic Streetlight Manifesto songs. And even though you may have heard these songs many times before, Kalnoky manages to make them completely original on this record. From the stunning photographs he took himself for the record’s cover and packaging to the ten Streetlight songs, Kalnoky really makes this record his own.

Considering that these days it’s rare to hear about ska music or even bands like Streetlight Manifesto and Catch 22, I really enjoyed hearing a new interpretation on these classic ska tracks. Kalnoky has a really clean and inviting voice, and the acoustics really allow for it to shine on this album. “Somewhere In The Between” sounds like a folksy and sweet melody, truly like a lullaby. Kalnoky also does a really cool and refreshing version of the song “Dear Sergio,” that’s still as catchy as the original song.

The song “Sick And Sad” is impressive. In fact the album is extremely impressive from this point on. “The Big Sleep” and “A Better Place, A Better Time” are heartbreakingly beautiful and completely blow away the original versions. The ending of “A Better Place, A Better Time” is my favorite part on the whole album and amazes me every single time I hear it. Streetlight Lullabies is definitely a soulful album and one of those records you have to be in the mood for, but when you’re in that mood, it completely satisfies you as a listener.

Like with most cover albums, I don’t think the point is to compare the songs to the original versions or that it’s meant to take away from the originals. That being said, as much as some of the songs shine on this record, others just didn’t compare. It should have been an EP and I think that would have made a stronger impact. Regardless, it’s obvious that Kalnoky put a lot of effort into this album and that should be appreciated. If you haven’t listened to Streetlight Lullabies yet, go buy the record now. And if you have listened and weren’t that into it, give it another shot.