Mr. Sunshine

Description

Mr. Sunshine is an album by the American alternative rock band Veil (a.k.a. Veil of Ashes), released on Eden Records in 1992, a division of Frontline Music Group. The album was recorded by Masaki Liu (later of Dime Store Prophets fame) and John Schiller at One Way Studios in Concord, California; with Masaki and the band producing.

The advertising for this album features a harlequin figure that looks more like the tragic clown Pagliacci than one of the fun-loving variety; that, plus the slogan “You can’t be sad forever” seem to be Vail (of Ashes) leader Sean Doty’s ironic poke at those who see his songs only as dour and lachrymose. To be sure, Veil is not afraid of exploring its dark side. Doty, lone original member Sterling and new member Mike Jackson (drums), Rich Median (keys), and Brendan Merithew have still included a number of downbeat tunes; «Marilyn’s Right To Twinkle» (about dead entertainment icons), «The Hunger» (addictions) and «Pimps and Preachers» (“those who love, those who hate”) to name a few. But for every melancholy moment, this time Doty and Co. usually tip the scale in favor of a brighter outlook. On «20 Love (One With Promise)», for instance, Doty recites a litany of empty and deceitful forms love might take, only to cap the song with “Love wore a crown of thorns/ and Love will never fail.” Twin guitars and subtle keyboard embellishments have helped Veil increase the size of its sound, while Doty’s passionate vocal delivery insures that it retains its intimacy. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, January 1993]

CD tracklist:

01. Marilyn’s Right To Twinkle – 2:58
02. Good Times – 3:36
03. The Hunger – 4:30
04. Mr. Sunshine – 4:10
05. A Cry For Help – 5:03
06. Pimps And Preachers – 3:51
07. 20 Loves (One With Promise) – 4:05
08. This Love – 2:24
09. Norwegian Wood – 3:39
10. Queen For A Day – 5:06
11. Bed Of Roses – 3:10
12. Stygian Shore – 4:30
13. I Hope I Left You Smilin – 3:16
14. Three Years Old – 6:42

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Eden Records.