Jim Camacho

Jim Camacho's latest album, Beachfront Defeat, marks the latest chapter in an ever-prolific career that stems from his initial involvement in the Goods some two decades back. His is a seemingly unstoppable trajectory, one that's found him a fluent multitasker who's also adept in musical theater and cross-collaboration.

Indeed, Beachfront Defeat was one of two new discs Camacho proffered this past year, the other being Hail Mary, the debut by Camacho and singer/songwriter Jodi Marr. Still, Camacho has always been most proficient on his own, where his musical persona is defined by angst-rattled melodies and weary desperation. However, the album also boasts Camacho's penchant for crafting compelling choruses, and indeed, songs such as "Long Ago," "Colors," and "Beachfront Defeat" soar with their compelling refrains and performances so resounding, they cause one to wonder why Camacho hasn't burst from the beachfront and on to the national stage.