Search - Hill Salem :: Not Everybody's Gold

And now for something completely different...

Lisa J Goodrich | Madison, TN USA | 09/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the fifth release by Salem Hill, a band from Tennessee. It is also their best to date. The music is very interesting to listen to, yet each song is a wonder in itself. The five members (Carl Groves, Patrick Henry, Kevin Thomas, Michael Dearing and Michael Ayers) are gifted with many talents and each brings his own views and perspectives yet they all blend together to make this latest effort a success. Each track is a small story in itself and all are extrememly likable. They can be melodic, then rocking, then almost philosophical...one has to listen to the entire CD in its entirety a few times (in succession) to get the full impact. This band deserves the recognition of a name act (i.e. Yes, ELP, those of the same genre)... they have worked long and hard to earn it, and earn it they have with this release."

I'm a bit confused

Craig Buchanan | Blacksburg, Virginia USA | 03/07/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is my second exposure to Salem Hill, my first being Catatonia. I don't really remember much from it as I only heard it at a friend's house. I won't go long here but I'm a bit disappointed after reading reviews here and in Progression magazine and seeing all the ads for this much anticipated release. It may be me, but some of the harmonies and lead vocal lines seem to have some pitch problems which makes some of the tracks a bit hard to tolerate. Also some of the lyrics leave a bit to be desired. In addition the production is lacking as well. Why in the world is the kick so prominent in the mix on prelude and some of the guitar tones sound as though they came out of an old peavey backstage amp or those little pig nose amps. I know I may be putting everyone in disbelief at what I'm saying, but I have come to expect more from prog bands and when the production is poor and there are pitch problems it makes me wonder where the integrity is in the music. Can you leave integrity outside the studio? . There are some very inspired compositional moments here, but there are some egregious borrowings as well, ie: the piano breakdown on "Riding the fence" is the same idea in Kansas' Song for America. Anyway, with all the negatives I've presented, I can still enjoy "Let loose the arrow" and a few other tracks, but I don't spin this disc often and I wish I didn't leave each listen scratching my head and asking why?"