A 2005 interview of Kevin Tihista published in the Chicago Tribune begins with the interviewer stating:

 

Seems every review of your records mentions The Beach Boys and The Beatles. I actually hear a little more of Harry Nilsson's wink and nod in your songs.

 

To which Tihista replies:

 

I'll take that comparison any day. I only started listening to him like five years ago. My mom sent me his greatest hits. I love it. I think more of the songs have that [tongue-in-cheek element]. It's kind of like Morrissey, you know. Morrissey is gloomy, but his songs are funny.