Music Style Hard to say exacxtly. Pop/rock singer/songwriter? Romantic smartass? Thief?

Musical Influences The Muffs. NRBQ. The Beatles. James Brown. Hank Williams.

Similar Artists Nick Lowe, Fountains Of Wayne, Jonathan Richman, Robbie Fulks, The Rutles, Steve Miller Band, dBs, Lemonheads, nrbq, Freedy Johnson, Matthew Sweet

Artist History After years of playing in the New York City club scene, Michael recorded his first album by charging it on his VISA card, he was lucky enough to be signed to the BIG DEAL label in 1997, and they released his debut album "HALF EMPTY". His second album "Too Many Movies" followed in 1998, as well as the album "Four Arms To Hold You" a collaboration with Francis Macdonald (a member of Teenage Fanclub & The BMX Bandits) released under the band name Cheeky Monkey. In 1998 Michael & band were asked to open U.S./Canadian tours for Shonen Knife, and They Might Be Giants. Michael toured again with the Giants in 1999. Michael has found a new audience in the U.K. with the release of his music there, and several tours and appearances on BBC radio and television. So far in 2000 Cheeky Monkey has toured Spain, and Michael has completed his third solo album. BIG DEAL no longer exists, and Michael is searching for a new U.S. label to call home.

Albums "Half Empty" "Too Many Movies" "I Blame You", Cheeky Monkey's "Four Arms To Hold You"

Press Reviews For the album "Too Many Movies":Another batch of flawless pop confections highlighting his uncanny knack for great hooks and wry wordplay. Friday Morning Quarterback" ******* He writes about relationships a lot--with intelligence, wit and a Beatlesque way with a hook that puts the singer in a class with only the best of the new pop revivalists." Ed Masley, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" ####### Too Many Movies is as charming and unabashedly catchy as any album released this year." Keith Phipps, The Onion" %%%%%%% Shelley is a great songwriter, able to be funny without being goofy. His lyrics are sweet without being sappy." Kevin Rexroat, Seattle Rocket"Too Many Movies holds a wide variety of pop jems." Sharon Harrison, Transworld Snowboarding "Full of the kind of simple but engaging pop made by Jonathan Richman and Ben Vaughn...brimming with wary wisdom and road weary whimsy."Rick Cornell, The Raleigh Spectator"Shelley has got a great talent for light engaging pop songs that connect with everyday life in a frightening way.This record makes me wish i was in love." Chris Larry, Eye Deal"Really good pop love songs are a lost art form but Michael Shelley resurrects it with a vengeance on his new record Too Many Movies..." Matt Springer, Pop Culture Corn For Half Empty: "Think With Your Heart" is one of the best pop songs of the 90's. One of the top 5 records of 1997. If you liked Fountains Of Wayne, you will absolutely love this record. Great little slice of life stories. I guarantee you it's overflowing with wit and charm." Bill Holmes, Pop Culture Press"...like a cross between Jonathan Richman at his most earnest and Nick Lowe at his most tuneful." Dan Epstein, L.A. Weekly"A non stop joy. Every track is special...the sort of album you'll treasure for a lifetime." Terry Hermon, Bucket Full Of Brains"Fraught with style and sarcasm. Evoking images of Loudon Wainwright one moment, the Ramones the next. One of the "top ten records you should have been listening to in 1997" Buzzweekly"Everything a great pop album should have. Infectious hooks suck you in and the melodies keep you there. This quirky album is beautiful in its simplicity." The Source"His greatest strength lies in simple, sturdy hooks that sound familiar but are ultimately new. Shelley's lyrics are full of details and descriptions." CMJ"His ability to write songs with a certain amount of originality, makes this album a standout." Rock Love3 & 1/2 stars Tower Pulse"Brooding and full of atmosphere...a celebration of songwriting talent..." Claudio Sossi, Shake It Up"Rejection never sounded so inviting. classic stuff." John Larson, Amplifier"Good as it goes. Shelley matches his lyrics and music well, maximizing the catchiness potential." lies"This guy's got a good, solid songwriting style, and he's intelligent not to muddy his tunes with busy arrangements. He's good, with real talent, and some damn good tunes." Baby Sue"a la Matthew Sweet and Velet Crush...a warm collection of lovingly crafted tunes. Much recommended!" HootchCheeky Monkey's "Four Arms To Hold You""The sound is similar to Teenage Fanclub, Tom Petty and the Traveling Wilburys. The opening track is brilliantly melodic with great hooks and a catchiness to rival flypaper." Arizona Daily Wildcat"A delightful acoustic, rock an roll injected, shuffle beat driven heap of fun." Shake It Up"Why is this such a good album? Sure, there are a lot of pop bands out there right now, but few sound as professional as Cheeky Monkey. The songs themselves sound as though they are a cross breed of Sebadoh and Weezer, with a dash of pink bubble gum thrown into the mix. Songs are so catchy you find yourself singing along before the song is even over." San Francisco Foghorn"This is crisp, clean, shot-from-the-hip likeable pop rock--60's sound with a 90's sarcasm. Thank the lord for pop." Rock Love"One listen and you can tell these guys are out to make serious music while having loads of fun. Cheeky Monkey tries its hand at anything from sex-driven fantasies to lonely ballads and just downright silly songs. Perhaps the most signature aspect of Cheeky Monkey is the randomly styled lyrics, which are not strange enough to puzzle, and not typical enough to keep a straight face. " Stanford Daily"These guys sing and play well together. The upbeat pop tunes are boosted to a higher level by superior melodies and some killer vocals. Pure simple fun." Baby Sue"A jewel of a record whose charm is instant and undeniable. The touching 'I Wanna Live With You' captures the jubilant optimism of new love; the dark and depressing 'Down' is equally beautiful, if considerably less cheerful. Cheeky Monkey's collective sense of humor shines on 'Big Dumb Boy' and 'Monkey Man,' an irresistible slice of jungle rock replete with big drums, a crazy Bo Diddley beat and punny lyrics. the album's sole cover is Chixdiggit's 'Gerry Cheevers,' a touchingly earnest song that successfully ties together a broken heart and the former Bruins' goalie. It's a fitting addition to this album, the musical equivalent of a slap shot between the pads." Amplifier"A great buy at any price." Omaha Reader

Location Brooklyn, N.Y. - USA

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