For those not in the know, Jack Spann has had an incredible couple of years.

The Saint Louis native has lived in New York City for the last 18 years and established himself as one of the city's in-demand keyboardists.

Indeed, his reputation led to an introduction to David Bowie's producer, Tony Visconti who hired him to play on the demos for what would be Bowie's final album, Blackstar.

Spann's Visconti connection did not end there. It led to an introduction to Milwaukee-based producer, Gary Tanin, who worked with Spann on his 1st and 2nd solo records, Time, Time, Time, Time, Time, and Beautiful Man From Mars, and now on his 3rd upcoming release Propaganda Man.

1. 'Propaganda Man'
2. 'Rage In The Garden'
3. 'All Go Together'
4. 'Her Majesty'
5. 'She's My Love Line'
6. 'Your Lullaby'
7. 'Sing Your own Song'
8. 'When Joe Sings'
9. 'Marry The Flag'
10. 'Dead Man's Clothes'
11. 'Shut The Door'
12. 'Good Night Lullaby'

The album, which took two years to complete, is different from his last in that it faces social issues head on and does not shy away from addressing thorny social conundrums.

Kicking off with the guitar-led title track 'Propaganda Man' ("Who'll be my next little Hitler") each track that follows contains jaunty rhythms, informative and self-indulgent lyrics all wrapped within Spann's distinctive vocals.

A wondrous '70s flashback rock approach to 'Rage In The Garden' makes this one a stand out for me personally, and that's backed by nostalgic, sixties British-type vibe on both 'All Go Together' and vibrantly trippy 'Her Majesty.'

Drums lead us into '70s melodic pop rock of 'She's My Love Line' with the lush and thoughtful elements of 'Your Lullaby' and the finger snappin' hipsway of 'Sing Your Own Song' along next.

The '80s AOR lo-fi vibe of 'When Joe Sings' is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon with the epic tale within 'Marry The Flag' backing it. Those playful mid'90s are back on energetic rocker 'Dead Man's Clothes' with the wistful 'Shut The Door,' and then the quietly peaceful 'Good Night Lullaby' rounds things off nicely.

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