Search - Brian Vander Ark :: Angel, Put Your Face On

One of the BEST!!!!!

Kris | Wrightwood, CA | 03/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is truly a great album, as are all of Brian Vander Ark's albums are. His song "The Heart That Keeps Me" has become one of my all-time favorite songs. His music and writing is one of the best out there. You will not be disappointed with this cd or any of his cd's!!!!"

BVA avoids sophomore slump with

adam butler | bowling green, ky United States | 07/20/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"His days of rock superstardom with his band The Verve Pipe now a distant memory, singer-songwriter Brian Vander Ark has produced another creative masterpiece with his second solo album, "Angel, Put Your Face On." Co-produced by Charlie Brocco and Ken Coomer(late of the americana band Wilco), "Angel" finds Vander Ark again weaving deeply personal tales with biting criticism of politics, religion, and the beast that is the mainstream music industry.

The tone of this sophomore effort is immediately set with the fast paced acoustic rocker "I Don't Want to Be a Bother," a chronology that details his progressive disillusionment with religion ("the first time i was born again, everything was one more sin"), hypocritical music behemoths ("where MTV's an empty fix...and the devil had a Clear Channel"), and the government ("I heard you can't be religious and pro-choice, I don't know why I even bother").

Vander Ark takes an alt-country turn on his romp "Survival," a witty and knee-slappin' fun love song no doubt inspired by his life changing marriage to California folk siren, Lux Land.

Vander Ark again explores darker themes in the musical eulogies "Too Good for This World," a celebration of the eternal spirit that is felt even after a physical passing; and "Another Good Man," a poignant and somber dedication to a recently departed loved one.

Ohter highlights include "Nothing But Time," an ode to his four-legged friend, and the album's closer "The Heart that Keeps You," a melodic piano ballad that showcases the true musical talents of this supposed one hit wonder.

Brian Vander Ark is currently touring the country, visiting the homes of his most dedicated fans in a series of private concerts loosely called "Backyard BBQ's with BVA." By foresaking the indifference of smoke and alcohol filled bars and clubs, Brian Vander Ark has truly found the place where he belongs.



For more information on Brian Vander Ark, visit [...]"

Nobody writes better than BVA

Richard W. Willis | JACKSON MS | 01/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this guy is the best modern day writer on the planet.

i am not saying he's better than Lennon, McCartney, Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg, etc.

what i am saying is that he is every bit as talented as all of them and he tells stories, which is a quality that is all but lost with the abundance of crap on the airwaves right now. there may be a place for all that crap, but you wont be disappointed if you make a place for BVA recordings. File it with Cat Stevens, James Taylor and all of the great ones . . . I haven't heard a bad BVA recording yet"