Full disclosure: I've known Mr. Soto for more years than I have fingers and toes to count them on. If you're looking for a hatchet job, you won't find it here. You might have to hang out in an alley behind a lumberjack bar for that.

Now let's get this other part over with. Steve Soto has been in a bunch of bands. To list them would not only take all day, but it wouldn't give any indication of what's he currently doing with The Twisted Hearts. To get the whole story and hear some of his new songs, check out their page at: www.myspace.com/stevesotoandtwistedhearts

He can sing. He can sing pretty and he can sing tough. Not many people can do that. Elvis could and John Doe can, but other than that I'm drawing a blank

As you should have heard by now, the songs posted are fully loaded with pianos, organs, steel guitars, horns, strings, harmonicas, banjos, bongos, glockenspiels, castanets, barking dogs, cannons, musical saws, spoons, fire-trucks, etc....
So how can they be delivered with just the basic two guitars, bass, and drums thing (along with keyboards and an occasional accordion)? The songs go down pretty good, since the band is amazing. They manage to combine great chops with a relaxed, informal and fun atmosphere. They've all been in a bunch of bands too. Check the web page again for details.

There is a 10-song CD that, so far, is only being sold at shows. The song "Best Mistake You Ever Made" is the standout track for me, both live and on the CD.

Most likely, they'll soon be playing the big rooms with full orchestras and will be able to afford belly dancers, jugglers, fire-eaters, and trained tigers. They might even put them in the show. But don't wait - see them now while they're still affordable.

Steve Soto and the Twisted Hearts will be playing some shows around the country in the next couple of weeks with Frank Turner and then will be doing a couple of tours with X.

So the John Doe comparison is not too far off the mark, but the Elvis thing is not quite right. Steve Soto may be a better songwriter than the King, but Elvis made better movies.