
King For A Day
by Stephen Thomas ErlewineKing for a Day is not a boast from Mickey Dolenz -- nor is it a collection of XTC covers -- its an album-length salute to Carole King, one of the great pop songwriters of the 20th Century. Dolenz isnt necessarily such a skilled singer that he redefines or reinterpret these songs but these songs arent designed for showboating: these are songs that belong to everyone, songs where anyone can sing along, so they lend themselves to Mickeys cheerful readings. Hes so friendly its possible to hear him smile as he sings even on songs that perhaps should have a bittersweet bent (Will You Love Me Tomorrow) or are just downright sweetly sad (Crying in the Rain), but this is unabashed, unapologetic nostalgia tainted only by an unintentionally creepy duet with Emily Osment on I Feel The Earth Move.