Love’s Oblivion, A Novel in Twelve Pop Songs – 2002

Morty’s first exploration of the nexus of music and literature resulted in his first solo album, Love’s Oblivion, A Novel in Twelve Pop Songs. Not your typical “boy meets lesbian, boy loses lesbian” tale, Morty’s unique “pop novel” is a tragicomic roller coaster ride of lust, obsession, betrayal and regret, told in a series of twelve melodic and hook-filled song “chapters.”

"I've always taken a strong narrative approach to my songwriting," says Shallman. “Treating each song as a chapter in a larger story, with characters, a plot, and emotional twists and turns, is simply the next logical progression in my work. After all, we've had rock operas and concept albums for years. Why not a pop novel?"

Noted pop music author and critic, Gary Pig Gold, called Love’s Oblivion “a fabulous find,” praising Morty’s “spiraling vocals” and “bright-sparkling arrangements,” and stating: “Love’s Oblivion reads as one gripping, thoughtful song cycle, but one which never ever sacrifices the Love and Lust for the Literal. So, listen. Learn. Read On, everybody.”

Morty supported the release of Love’s Oblivion with shows in Los Angeles, New York, and the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, birthplace of The Beatles.