Search - Horace Silver :: United States of Mind

It's Mind That Matters

Paul W. King | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States | 04/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I loved these albums when they were first relesed in the 70's and have been a fan of Silver since the 50's. People like the first reviewer, who haven't been around that long, sometimes miss the point. This is not hard bop plays gospel or watered down Horace. These songs have political reference to the time that they were written, i.e. the Vietnam War and the Black struggle for freedom in America. Listen to the music and hear the lyrics and you will understand what its all about."

SHOULD BE THE SOUNDTRACK TO WHOLE FOODS

TuPac Man | West Virginia | 11/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Horace's personal fave, and who am I to disagree?



I've listened to this CD hundreds of times, since it was initially re-released in 2004. (The only other CD I've ever listened to more is Nirvana's "Nevemind." I love albums with "mind" in the title.) Driving on Sylvan Avenue in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, passing the Rudy Van Gelder studio,an unassuming little shack down the road a piece from CNBC, where Horace actually recorded this much maligned, sorely overlooked masterwork, this music transports me to a time I lived through, but was barely conscious of. But since the Bush crony administration consists of Nixon loyalists, history seems to be regurgitating itself, tragically, making this CD both contemporary and essential.



"The United States of Mind" is a scream for the American spirit to return to it's senses and slough the encroaching fascism, a political ideology which subjugates humanity for the sake of industry, that was overtaking America at that time, and seems to be making something of a comeback, alternating between the Republican Lite of the Clintons and the Nazi Lite of the Bushes.



But enough about political context, what about the music?



It's slamming from "That Healin' Feelin'," a thrashy instrumental number, where the RMI keyboard that Silver adopted for this trilogy jarrs the jazz purist bores who have hobbled the progress of jazz with their conservative nature and basically rejects technical perfection for pure raw feeling, hence the title. (This number explains why so many middle-aged trash metal fans have gravitated to Horace Silver, since the late '90s.)



"The Happy Medium" was a commercial hit back in the day. It's a ditty about being moderate (without being a mediocroty) sung with such intensity by Andy Bey.



"The Show Has Begun" echoes the Shakespeare thing, that all the world's a stage and we're all merely playas. Act wisely.



"Love Vibrations" is a non-gender specific romance song, a token of respect from Silver to Bey's homosexuality. Silver proves that kindness is a prerequisite to intelligence.



"Peace" is a gentle call for...well, for peace... sung with a muscular whispery vibrato by Bey. It eases the listener with a positive message about the power of a positive outook, and poetic imagery. Note the very trippy outro by Silver. Wow!



"Permit Me To Introduce You To Yourself," "Wipe Away The Evil," and "There's Much To Be Done" are more traditional gospel numbers, albeit secular ones, both sung by Andy Bey's sister, Salome. The drums do kick maja butt, as the lyrics preach self-awareness and personal responsibility.



"Nobody Knows" is the strongest non-Andy Bey track off this trilogy, sung by Gail Nelson. It's a slow, intense drag of a song. The lyrics are very writerly, which many traditionalists will find offputting, about what will the future bring. Will we be able to balance freedom and decency? Nobody Knows; only time will tell.



"Acid, Pot or Pills" and "What Kind of Animal Am I" (sounds like a Barbara Walters' question) are the most dated, if you listen superficially. Repeated listenings, however, reveal beautifully structured songs. "Acid, Pot or Pills" is teetotalling and trippy simultaneously, and "What Kind of Animal Am I" is, ironically, much better when you listen to it high. Actually, it would make a great children's song. Somewhat out of place on this platter. However, this song made me recognize how many people resemble animals. I, myself, resemble a chimp.



"Won't You Open Up Your Senses" is the by far and away the best song of all. It's about expanding your mind by acknowleding that an adult is nothing but a decaying child. Accept this and live with the simplicity of a child. Happiness will follow suit.



"I've Had A Little Talk" should be the theme song for Whole Foods. This song espouses eating right. Stay away from processed foods. After all, you are what you eat - explains why I'm such a puss.



I could summarize the rest of the songs for you, but I'd like to end on a joke. So, long story short, buy this CD. It's great. If I'm lying, I'm dying. But better me than Bush: if he's lying, you're dying. Better me than you, right?





















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Bluenote Rules!!!

tws | Michigan | 10/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm glad to see this stuff is finally available. I love Andy Beys work I heard Happy Medium on Public Radio and really liked it. Thanks Bluenote!!!"