Piano Bar/Lounge Singer
Thomas P. Olbrich | 06/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OK, we all know that Piano Bar Lounge Singers are at the bottom of the food chain, mostly loud, boring and untalented. Bill Murray aped them very well during his Saturday Night Live days. When I listen to American Gothic, I can picture David Ackles playing these songs in a piano bar, and finding myself completely captivated by the performances. The songs feel close and personal, almost embarrassingly so, especially little gems like "One Night Stand," and "Waiting for the Moving Van." These songs are not all hummable, nor will the melodies necessarily stay with you. It is the overall performance that cuts through any initial resistance to his style of presenting songs. He is more a showman than a folksinger.
But if you listen, and close out the outside world, he has you. I end up wanting to hear more. Montana Song is a great magnum opus for closing this album - makes me want to go revisit the farm where I grew up. This is a kind of music that doesn't fit any popular classification, but if you let it in, you will somehow feel enriched."
Very different and very good
R. Kyle | USA | 07/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard "Montana Song" as a kid in the 70's. I never knew what album the song came from until just recently. When I found the download available, I grabbed it, I admit griping a bit because I was unsure whether I'd care for the rest of the album or not.
'Different' is just the beginning of the description for this album. If you're reading Bernie Taupin production and expecting rock, this is much more orchestral. Consider that most of the sidemen on this collection are from the London Philharmonic. Actually, this CD could be easily made into a Broadway play.
Favorites, obviously "Montana Song." "Ship of State" is as timely take on the American political scene today as it was in the 70s. Then, there's "American Gothic" itself. "Billy Whitecloud" talks about the city experiences of a rez Indian coming to town.
The artist may be an acquired taste, but I can tell you, I've had that taste for 30 years and it's still good. Give the selections a listen and see what you think.
Rebecca Kyle, July 2008
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