Amplifier Magazine   Mannix Come To California MANNIXROCK.COM by Eric Sorensen Issue 25 July - August 2001     New York City's Joe Mannix and bandmates have presented the pop community with a superb double album that will merit serious consideration come 2001 Top Ten honor time. Come To California flows seamlessly from start to finish -- both musically and conceptually. The opening theme song possesses signature elements that will remind Amplifier listeners of both Steely Dan and the Guess Who (particularly the closing harmony vocals). " ...a superb double album that will merit serious consideration come 2001 Top Ten honor time."   Mannix, Chris Peck, Toby Graham and Todd Lecuyer (along with several guest musicians) flirt successfully with the 70s Southern rock sound on songs like "Take My Blues Away" and "Go West." On others, Mannix's distinctive voice and musical arrangements are reminiscent of another very talented New York City singer/songwriter, Richard X. Heyman. When the band slows things down, the combination of Joe's voice and the accompanying organ will remind others of Jim Cuddy and Blue Rodeo, while rootsy/rockabilly tune "Gasoline" and the chiming lead guitar of "Salvation" will appeal to fans of George Thorogood and Tom Petty respectively. Be certain that all these references do not imply mimicry, simply an impressive exhibition of Mannix's ability to incorporate catchy hooks and riffs into his original pop/rock repertoire. The sixteen-song cavalcade of tunes ends on a upbeat note with a chiming Rickenbacker 12-string guitar (played by Michael Mazzarella) and sweet harmony vocals on the pseudo-60s tune "Leave The Past Behind." Like veteran singer/songwriter Steve Wynn (who also hangs his hat in New York City), Mannix has helped the musical world celebrate 2001 with a double disc masterpiece. Pop fans on the east coast should be very happy that they don't have to "come to California" to enjoy some of today's finest indie pop music. (www.mannixrock.com)