Reilly’s a singer/songwriter who likes to keep the surface of his songs light, even if the subjects — racists, whores, and money-hungry folks — often aren’t. His jokey tone, as well as his drawling voice, belies the seriousness beneath the wise-guy façade. His debut album is filled with losers, dreamers, and the undistinguished guy in the corner of the bar, but they all have strong moral centers. Reilly’s monster hooks draw you in; his sharply drawn character pieces keep you there. – Michael Gallucci