Search - David Mead :: Tangerine (Dig)

Mead gets better every time...

Craig Smith | Bensalem, PA USA | 05/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After an effort that was very somber and introspective (2004's INDIANA), here comes a batch of songs that seem to have completely come out of nowhere if you've followed Mead's career in song (which I have).



From the opening of the intro track (basically an overture consisting of themes from other songs) it's obvious that David Mead and producer Brad Jones pulled out all of the stops. From the glock on that track, to the calliope on "Hard To Remember", the clavinet on "Chatterbox"... each track has something unique. I can't help but wonder if these songs were created with these layers of instrumentation in mind - but the result is something intensely huge that gets bigger with repeated listenings.



Some favorites - the almost-acapella highlight "Reminded #1" has some sweet harmonies and incredible lyrics. "Suddenly, A Summer Night" blends eerie theremin sounds with an equally eerie vocal melody and then explodes into a beautiful chorus. "Chatterbox" and the single "Fighting For Your Life" are classic pop nuggets. "Hunting Season" is a mysterious track that - for me - became clear on repeated listenings (it is now my favorite track on the album). And the closer, "Choosing Teams", just ends it perfectly.



Don't hesitate on this one. There's something for everybody here."

Simply the Best!

Christopher Elmore | Fort Mill, SC | 05/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The best what? The best pop album of 2006? - YES! The best album of his career? - YES! The best pop album of the past decade? - Quite possibly IMHO, YES! This album is a triumph for those who still believe in real music made by real artists. David's commitment to his vision is unwavering. Please buy this CD. You'll not be disappointed."

Extraordinary!

Linda Utter | Adrian., MI | 05/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whether your first sample of Tangerine comes from the audio collage opening the CD, or visual contact with the striking cover art, you'll know from the start this is something different.



David Mead's songs are always a delight for fans of finely crafted lyrics; a combination of storytelling and poetic descriptive phrases, often with a nice dash of whimsical humor tossed in. The arrangements of this studio masterpiece give the perfect framework for showcasing the songs. There is a veritable smorgasbord of instruments not often found in a pop/rock setting, and they are all interwoven with just the right touch. Glockenspiel, clavinet, vibraphone, and calliope are just a few of the surprises. David's distinctive voice, with trademark upper register wonder-notes, completes the unique presentation.



This album is the result of giving a creative artist complete freedom. The result is, not surprisingly, vibrant, boldly unusual, and a bit exotic. Not unlike it's namesake: Tangerine."