fotno
05-12-2006, 08:53 AM
Bruce Hornsby
Spirit Trail
1998
RCA/BMG
Pop/Rock - But somehow that doesn't quite cover it
Released in 1998, this double CD recording has been called Hornsby's "Masterpiece", and a "Scrapbook of Americana". I dunno 'bout all that, but it is at once beautiful, introspective, declarative and evocative. He happily steps on toes, and then walks in the very same shoes those toes once occupied. Immediately identifiable, but still fresh and compelling, the 90 minutes this set inhabits give Hornsby just enough rope to either hang himself or build a bridge. As far as I'm concerned, he succeeds in his construction.
Some highlights;
Preacher in the Ring Parts 1 & 2 - Could have easily become a sly revery in "ignorance", but somehow rises above that and becomes a compelling insight into a world foreign to the singer, and all too familiar to yours truly.
Fortunate Son - Supposedly based lyrically on the lead character in Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb"... Listening to this track with that in mind paradoxically enhances and diffuses the experience, but I include it in this review because it seems relevant (to me at least) to mention the spark that lit the fire.
Sneaking up on Boo Radley - On the surface, a silly romp through the life of a familiar literary character, it blossoms into an examination of diversity and acceptance, one of Hornsby favorite themes. Musically fine, and quirky, this cut leaves me humming the melody.
See The Same Way - A lesson in perspective both lyrically and musically. A tricky piece musically with a very simple, universal theme lyrically. Once again touching on the way each of us see things differently.
Funhouse - A road picture in the guise of a song, Funhouse introduces us to a two people who really do (metaphorically at least) run away with the circus, finding themselves in for the ride of their lives.
Sunflower Cat (Some Dour Cat) (Down With That) - Musically as close as Hornsby's gotten to FM acceptability since "The Way It Is", I actually heard this on the radio when the album was released. I personally think the DJ must've been drunk & rebellious because I feel sure nothing from this album was on a pop station's program director's playlist in 1998. Fun song, with Hornsby staple lyrics that speak about something a little more relevant than being "Down With That"
Top-Notch muscianship, tight nearly flawless recording. It's a touch compressed to my ear, but not to the point where it affects my enjoyment of the music one whit. Highly recommended, providing that you enjoy Bruce Hornsby, but even if you're not a fan give it a listen if you get the chance, you might just be surprised at what you find.
Fotno
Spirit Trail
1998
RCA/BMG
Pop/Rock - But somehow that doesn't quite cover it
Released in 1998, this double CD recording has been called Hornsby's "Masterpiece", and a "Scrapbook of Americana". I dunno 'bout all that, but it is at once beautiful, introspective, declarative and evocative. He happily steps on toes, and then walks in the very same shoes those toes once occupied. Immediately identifiable, but still fresh and compelling, the 90 minutes this set inhabits give Hornsby just enough rope to either hang himself or build a bridge. As far as I'm concerned, he succeeds in his construction.
Some highlights;
Preacher in the Ring Parts 1 & 2 - Could have easily become a sly revery in "ignorance", but somehow rises above that and becomes a compelling insight into a world foreign to the singer, and all too familiar to yours truly.
Fortunate Son - Supposedly based lyrically on the lead character in Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb"... Listening to this track with that in mind paradoxically enhances and diffuses the experience, but I include it in this review because it seems relevant (to me at least) to mention the spark that lit the fire.
Sneaking up on Boo Radley - On the surface, a silly romp through the life of a familiar literary character, it blossoms into an examination of diversity and acceptance, one of Hornsby favorite themes. Musically fine, and quirky, this cut leaves me humming the melody.
See The Same Way - A lesson in perspective both lyrically and musically. A tricky piece musically with a very simple, universal theme lyrically. Once again touching on the way each of us see things differently.
Funhouse - A road picture in the guise of a song, Funhouse introduces us to a two people who really do (metaphorically at least) run away with the circus, finding themselves in for the ride of their lives.
Sunflower Cat (Some Dour Cat) (Down With That) - Musically as close as Hornsby's gotten to FM acceptability since "The Way It Is", I actually heard this on the radio when the album was released. I personally think the DJ must've been drunk & rebellious because I feel sure nothing from this album was on a pop station's program director's playlist in 1998. Fun song, with Hornsby staple lyrics that speak about something a little more relevant than being "Down With That"
Top-Notch muscianship, tight nearly flawless recording. It's a touch compressed to my ear, but not to the point where it affects my enjoyment of the music one whit. Highly recommended, providing that you enjoy Bruce Hornsby, but even if you're not a fan give it a listen if you get the chance, you might just be surprised at what you find.
Fotno