I will review track by track. This means that I have to relisten to the whole album. Sweet, I can't wait!
1. Contact Buzz
This song has a great chorus. I like to sing it in the car. The B Section of the tune is great too. I like humming to it. I haven't learned all the words to this song yet (its pretty wordy, imo) so I hum a little. Matt even hums too! I like the "Da da da" in the song too. I definitely love the chorus.
2. Mercy
Oh man, the lyrics for this song are GREAT. Each verse of the song is great. A few of the lyrics could be lined up in a smoother fashion, Matt (like, "Now aint that what you get these days") but maybe that's just me. I would suggest rewording that. Because the rhythm you've got in this song is really what sells it well. This isn't really my favorite song, because there's not really a chorus. And the violin added in seems kind of random for this song, personally. Also, her tuning was out a little bit. But aside from the phrasing and the violin I like this song. I really love the "And a chance for gettin' laid" part, I like to yell it out while driving.
3. Song For a King
Definitely one of the strongest songs on this album. I love the resolution of the guitar that goes along with the lyrics. It's a fairly sad song, but it's in major. It's pretty cool, it sounds almost modal in a way! It definitely sounds a little like the renaissance era to me. The way that the chords resolve, and the chord progression you use. I really like this song. I wish I could remember the lyrics. OMG and when you say "You've probably figured out that there's no Heaven" I get chills because of the triplet you use in probably. It's GREAT. You know, some of these chords sound like Led Zeppelin. I used to be a huge LZ fan, I had their box set. Very very strong song, GREAT job Matt.
4. Victory Gin
This was actually the song that sold me on getting the album. The chord progression is fairly simple but very cool. I love the chorus. I sing it along with Matt everytime I play the song. Mmmm. Yes! I like the ADD verse. It's... very true. This song is just plain great. It's very laid back. Matt, your voice is very good in this song. I like the "Take a look in his eyes and tell me he's not stoned" line. I let my mom listen to this track and she agreed with that statement. Next song!
5. Young Man's Blues
This song is very cool, but Matt I must say, the intonation of your guitar was slightly out.
The lyrics are cool, and your voice blends VERY well with the girl. The violin was actually a nice touch on this song I think. I really like the bass part at the end of each four measure phrase in the chorus. I belch that out in the car. It's a great touch. The only problems with this song is intonation in a few places. Sorry to point out negative stuff, but I figured I'd try to be somewhat critical. The lyrics in this song don't stand out as much as other songs, but I still find them to be very true. Hey, but Matt, I've gotta pick on you about something. How can you write a blues and not use a blues progression? 
Haha, just teasing!6. The Botanist
This song is AWESOME omg. I won't spoil the song for anyone. But Matt raps on this track! It's hilarity! Pure hilarity! Hey Matt, is Illinois really that far from you?
Anyways, I get the feeling that this song is more comical and clever than technically challenging. It's a great addition to the CD.7. Meredith
This is actually one of my favorite songs. Hey Matt - what's the chord you use at the end of the first four measure phrase. You know, the one with the odd half step? I'm intrigued to know, and not near a piano to figure it out right now. Anyways, this is a GREAT GREAT GREAT song, although sad and true at the same time. Matt this is a great song. I love the lyrics. It's so chill too. You did a great job on it. Hey, is that a deceptive cadence after every section? It sounds like one, but I can't really tell. You guys have to ..... OMG it's so good (sorry I'm still listening to it). The lyrics sell this song, and Matt's voice is great and the guitar is superb. The buildup around 2:35 or so is great. Anyways, onto the next song. OH and Matt you're a jerk, at the end, that chord, ARGH. What is that? Hahahaha okay next song.
8. Show Me a Scar
I think that this song would be a good title track for the CD. It is pretty strong, and the violin is a great addition in this song. The repetition of the word "Nothing" is great a little before the first minute. Then the oooo's and ahhhh's are great, and you and that girl do a great job of blending together well. I can hear both voices pretty equally. Name it Mary, Matt. Name it Mary. Definitely a good lyric. This song is very strong, I think it's one of the strongest on this album.
Overall, I really enjoyed the CD, and I think that other people on modified should support Matt and buy his CD. Information and song downloads can be found on MattCrossMusic.com and Matt's Myspace Account.
Hope you decide to pick one up! I know you'll enjoy it. Props to Matt.
