Fans of Martin Mull's comic television work and satirical prose might be surprised by the actor/comedian's self-titled 1972 debut. Instead of a collection of comic sketches or standup routines, Martin Mull is a true singer/songwriter pop album, albeit one with often hilariously skewed lyrics, as in the opening Ventriloquist Love, a plaintive piano ballad with the poignant chorus "Whenever I kiss you/Your lips never move." The Band's Levon Helm guests, as does Keith Spring of NRBQ auxiliary the Whole Wheat Horns, and much of Martin Mull sounds -- musically at least -- like it could pass for either of those bands, particularly on the surreal Partly Marion. However, there's also a strong jazz influence weaving throughout the album, as on the Fats Waller-like boogie Eggs and the handful of bossa nova-influenced tunes like the sleepy singalong Miami and the alcoholic lament Loser's Samba. (The absolutely gorgeous Hors D'Oeuvre, a touching lover's farewell, is the highlight in this style, and proof that for all of his jokes, Mull is at heart a serious songwriter.) Fans of Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks or perhaps anachronistic hipster Leon Redbone will adore this side of Mull's songwriting style, but overall, Mull is a unique talent, somewhere between Warren Zevon with a case of the giggles or a terminally mellow version of They Might Be Giants. ~ Stewart Mason, Rovi

1		Ventriloquist Love
2		Eggs
3		Miami
4		Livin' Above My Station
5		Loser's Samba
6		Dancing in the Nude
7		Partly Marion
8		(I Made Love to You in A) Former Life
9		Margie the Midget
10		Hors d'Oeuvre
11		Songwriter's Blues (Duet for Piano and Janitor)