Best Albums of 2009 Eartaste
With The XX, Conor Oberst, Black Lips, Willie Nelson et al.
Best Albums of 2009 Folly of Youth
Honorable Mention with AC Newman, James Yorkston, Animal Collective, Cymbals Eat Guitars et al.
50 Best Albums of 2009 Lucid Culture
50 Best Live Shows in NYC in 2009 Lucid Culture
Like candy-coated stones thrown at the black heart of Uncle Sam, sardonic protest songs such as Fevered Cyclone, The War Is Over and the magical, Beatles-esque title-track swathe its sincere sentiments in thrumming power-pop chords, sublime female backing vocals and joyful bursts of brass and shimmering strings. Popmatters Review
If anything will jolt this band out of obscurity, it won't be stories of sniper-wounds or comparisons to Nick Drake. It'll be Harmony Handgrenade... the one statement that matters. No Ripcord
The considerable buzz around Harmony Handgrenade would suggest that not only has Megna found his place in the world, but the world is now finding him. London Tour Dates
Megna accompanies his lyrics with a soundtrack that suggests Jeff Tweedy and Van Dyke Parks collaborating on an album of co-writes with the likes of Leonard Cohen (Love Yr Way), Greg Dulli (The War is Over), Eef Barzelay (Fevered Cyclone), John Cale (Finger Trigger) and Tom Waits (Smile). Amplifier Magazine
It's still quite early on in Paul Megna's career, but even this early, it seems clear that he will soon take his place among the most influential of this generation's musicians. Stereo Subversion
The Oxygen Ponies have appointed their acidic indictment of contemporary America with sounds that captivate and howl, putting them in a class with some of music's most creative purveyors. Brian Baker - City Beat
It's difficult looking ahead to November already, but I feel really secure in picking this CD as one of the most important releases of 2009. Eartaste
This is a truly remarkable album… really, really, outstanding stuff… I think this music is amazing! Bob Harris BBC Radio 2
Savagely lyrical, swirling and psychedelic... Paul Megna has always been a formidable lyricist, but here he vaults into the uppermost echelon... A strong contender for best album of 2009.! Lucid Culture
Pessimism does not often sound so good... This is folk-pop at its best! The Beat Surrender
Fittingly titled! Burn the Bowery
There is something noteworthy about every track… Full of cynicism and hope… Well worth your time. Americana UK (7 stars)
With Harmony Handgrenade, the raspy-voiced Megna veers away from the lo-fi goodness of his previous album and offers a new approach. The good news is it's just as impressive. Capt. Obvious
The Best Band Name Of The Week Award goes to: Oxygen Ponies
NME Magazine 28.07.07
Minor chrod folk/pop for the end credits. A dozen songs delivered in a raspy voice that sounds broken beyond repair. Magnet Magazine No.74
Sounds great… Will not leave fans of Leonard Cohen, Elliott Smith and Bob Dylan disappointed. Tape Op Magazine No.55
Great lyricism and witty lo-fi song arrangements, make this album one you definitely don't want to miss out on. Smother Magazine
Gritty …natural …poetic …In your face. Big Takeover Magazine No. 60
Wonderfully lonely music… Feels like a hangover on the brightest day of the year, where beams of sunlight battle with drawn curtains and unfiltered cigarettes are the medicine of choice. Capt. Obvious
The Oxygen Ponies are basically songwriter Paul Megna and whoever he can rustle up for a show. Tonight he brought a whole herd, 11 musicians including a trio of backup singers, two guitarists in addition to Megna himself, lapsteel, rhythm section and two horn players.… His melodies are contagiously catchy (think a less skeletal Leonard Cohen, or a more pop-oriented Nick Cave) and he can write a hell of a lyric, with a sometimes savagely cynical edge.… The band's ability to hit a crescendo out of nowhere was literally breathtaking… Lucid Culture
Sounds like that perfect pop you get when you light a match just right? Makes the first cigarette that much more stately, ya know? Gerald Collier
Nice and Quiet. Not nice as a separate and polite description, but the profound double threat of…nice and quiet. I'm a fan. Matthew Ryan
The hangover record of the year… The Deli Magazine
One of the better efforts we've heard this year… Darkly glimmering… Withering cynicism… [Truest Thing] is one of the most evocative portrayals of clinical depression ever set to music. Lucid Culture
A historical gem, a haunting reminder of legendary musicians gone by… Lyrics are honest, reflective and poetic enough to be bound and published. Fat Amp Music
Beautifully arranged, this song [Quickest Way to Happiness], and indeed this album, could become modern classics if given half a chance. Americana UK (8 stars)
Limned with sadness, although not overcome by it, and most definitely not wallowing in it. Sixeyes
Gorgeous, hazily atmospheric and intelligently written. Thomas Barlett - Salon.com
Best Albums of 2006 Hits In The Car
With Band of Horses, Razorlight, Camera Obscura et al.
Best Albums of 2006 Raindog's Rants
Honorable Mention with Bob Dylan, Joseph Arthur, Flaming Lips et al.
Best NYC Albums of 2006 Ben Krieger
Easily the best hard crash record of 2006.
Both melancholy and almost-ignorantly hopeful… A sanctuary away from the elements and an escape from the long and dark nights. Quarterlife Party
One of the best full-length debuts this year… There's something incredibly stirring about the combination of Paul Megna's eerily rough voice combined with his poignant lyrics. Catching Signals
A passionate study on heartbreak and struggle set to beautiful melodies. Raindog's Rants
Megna's voice resonates like only Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen or John Cale can do. Mars Needs Guitars
Insightful lyrics, ripe with emotion… Late Greats
Aching with hangover blues and incurable loneliness… One Louder
