Search - :: Life of David

If you only own one Michael Knott CD, make sure it's this on

Khårn Jääb? | 08/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had been aware of Michael Knott's work as a solo artist, front man of several bands, and painter (his artwork has been used on album covers for not only his own projects, but also for others like the Choir) for many years before I started to get into his music. For one thing, it was harder for me to find his CDs, and the few that I did come across just didn't grab me. It wasn't until I witnessed his return to the Cornerstone Festival (after he had been banned for many years, according to rumors) that I was completely hooked by his performance. Just him and an acoustic guitar (with violin accompaniment on a few songs provided by Beth Spransy of Ticklepenny Corner), but his performance was powerful, electric, and riveting. The songwriting was brilliant, poignant and moving, often with darker themes, but not without humor. I started to buy whatever I could find, so that I could at least know the songs. I still found little that I liked musically, the style just wasn't my taste. But I knew his live shows were not to be missed, and I was never disappointed by them whenever I was fortunate enough to attend.



When this album was released, it stayed in my CD player for a very long time, quickly becoming my favorite Michael Knott recording. Not only is this arguably his most accessible release, but I also think it is one of the finest albums of pop music I have ever heard. I usually tend to think of "pop" as a dirty word when it comes to music, but this is a very fine example of how it can be done right. The melodies are gorgeous and catchy, the lyrics simple, to the point, and moving. This is most evident on the closing track, "Hospital," which I think is one of the most heartbreakingly honest songs I have ever heard. He says so much with so few words, accompanied only by an acoustic guitar. It is all so deceptively simple, each line opening up and revealing more than what is on the surface. Worth the purchase price for this song alone, though I found the whole album to be extremely listenable from start to finish.



My only complaint is that I'm not a fan of digipaks, but that's just me, and I'm not about to take points off for the packaging when it's the music that counts (and this album needs to be heard). I highly recommend this album. The two CDs recorded with Noah Reimer (also of Ticklepenny Corner, and another very, very fine songwriter himself) from the same period are interesting as well."

Michael Knott at his most introspective

John The Book Guru | Saint Paul, MN USA | 06/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine album. If you have any interest in some of the musicians who started the Alternative Christian music scene, Michael Knott is one of the first places to start looking. This album is his last majorly distributed album.



In it you'll see themes of personal reflection, regret, and so much more.



The music is generally just Knott with an acoustic guitar, although some tracks feature drums, electric guitar, organ and other instruments.



Recommended without any hesitation."