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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Brian Dunne

Bug Fixes & Performance Improvements

Review by Gary Hill

With the bulk falling somewhere in the country and folk category, this album is built around a lot of Americana. I suppose "singer songwriter" would be the most apt description, but that's only so specific. There is really quite a decent range here. It's all effective and varied enough to avoid feeling tired or monolithic. It is definitely a set that seems to be a throwback to an earlier era.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 2 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

Track by Track Review
Tell Me Something
Singer songwriter sounds with a lot of folk rock make up the concept here. I really dig the guitar fills later in the tune. This is an energetic and accessible cut. It makes for a good opener.
Taxi

Starting balladic, this is more of a melodic rocker. There is quite a bit of country music in the mix here. The guitar solo in particular seems to ride the fence between rock and country music. There are definitely elements of 1960s folk music here, too.

Don't Give Up On Me
Another that's more along the balladic lines, this has a lot of that folk element at play. It's a gentle and powerful piece of music.
You Got Me Good
This gets a very minor parental advisory on the lyrics. It's more of a screaming hot rocker, especially during the guitar solo section. This is a powerful and evocative number that works so well.
We Don't Talk About It

Mellow and balladic, this combines folk music and country elements. It is very evocative, and I love the piano on the closing section of the piece.

Here I Go Again
With some tasty picked guitar, this is mellow roots rock number. It has a lot of folk music at its core.
Better Late
A melodic rock song, this has hints of country and folk built into it. It's an effective piece with a really classic sound.
Chelsea Hotel
There is plenty of Americana here. It's a more balladic cut with a lot of folk music in the mix.
If You Wanna Stay A While
Coming in with electric guitar, this drops to a nearly acapella delivery for the first vocals. It has a bit of a rockabilly, old school rock and roll sound on that section. It works out gradually from there to more of a folk rock styled arrangement. I dig the more rocking mode later. The harmonica before that section is a nice touch, too. At just over seven minutes of music, this is the longest cut here. Dunne and company make good use of that time to create a very compelling number that's one of the standouts here.
Atlanta Song
Harmonica opens this piece, bringing an old school folk vibe to the number. As that drops away for the vocal movement, I'm reminded quite a bit of 60s folk acts like Bob Dylan. Normally I think mellower tunes aren't the best choice for closing an album. Somehow this ballad works really well in that slot, though.
 
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