This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 10/05
"Kevin and Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
Let's call this Erik Balkey's tri-part release: the majority of the cuts are studio-produced, along with two offerings
from a radio station appearance and close to a handful recorded at The
Kerrville Folk Festival.
In the former, "Someone To Call" stands out. With an a
cappella
beginning, Balkey channels the best of Townes Van Zandt, although the
conclusion here is much more upbeat than the usual Van Zandt tome. "Leaves Are Gone" nicely uses metaphor, with leaves and
trees symbolizing individuals and families. Balkey also adds a nod
to "Tea and Sympathy" playwright Robert Anderson in this cut. "Always One More
Round"
sensitively and touchingly portrays the dark cloud of addiction
coloring a relationship. Balkey gets even more creative by melding
John Keen's "Something In The Air" with Anne Feeney's and Chris
Chandler's "It's Not On The Airwaves," leading to the important point
that 'protest' songs, a staple of radio playlists of the '60s and '70s,
are nowhere to be heard.on corporative radio airplay today. Must be more of
that dastardly 'liberal media conspiracy' at work again. "Things Are Never Really What
They Seem," is an intriguing take on dreams denied and sexuality's wolves in sheep's clothing.
The question songs, "What Would You Do?" and "Where Does Our
Love Go?," appear courtesy of a Balkey WUMB Boston radio station appearance. The former is a
paean about speaking one's truth, the latter, reminiscent of a Woody
Guthrie tune, depicts the dissipation of human ties that bind..
"...as the lightening strikes
and the falcon flies
resurrected life
from the ash will rise
he sowed his seed
with the dreamer's plow..."
Some of the Balkey's songs have been previously recorded, but
this remains a quality 'compilation' CD and a good introduction to
Balkey's musical lineage.
Track List:
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