L.A.'s P.J. Olsson (formerly of Detroit) scored a peppy first born New Pop darling with his self titled debut album. Columbia's Red Ink label couldn't have felt much risk in signing the fellow who brought them in droves to Hollywood's famed Luna Park during his residency there in the mid '90s. Unhesitant to abide the image of "pop star" styled for the new millennium, Olsson's appeal is made up of one part versatile musical energy and studio competence, one part marketing intrepitude and one part hopelessly handsome looks. "Visine" is a legitimate radio keeper that hits its mark: its obscure references to pot culture and an idiosyncratic chorus suggest a risky hip listenablility, as does "Why Say Three," also a vocally fun piece. P.J. has a good plan to present songs that offer unpredictable switches and dips within, as on "Pray I Don't Die" and "Thorazine," no doubt the result of a lifetime of musical influences and experimentation. The best cut on the record is "She's Got Eyes," which depends a great deal on in-studio pushbutton magic for its effects, yet remains solid on its own as a memorable, excitable song a la Rufus Wainwright, with whom P.J. has toured. A very good record to get geared up before going out, and a signature piece for the new era of masculine, competent pop.