Search - Matthew Harrison :: Charmed

Hometown Review

07/11/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Matthew Harrison has almost appeared out of nowhere. But whatever his origins, the Vegas resident's debut CD slams with more passion than most local albums released to date. It was produced by Jeff Robinson, who gave assistance to 12 Volt Sex and Inside Scarlet--that explains why Scarlet's six-string samurai, Mike Cromer, makes a couple appearances. "She Waits" opens up with a drum 'n' bass rhythm line similar to the stick work on David Gray's hit "Babylon." It supports a melodic wave of vocals that climb like a song composed by Seal. Matthew's gravelly voice pushes the words across with a conviction strong enough to propel these tunes onto the radio. The reflective "Still Love Her" comes in with an acoustic guitar complimented by a soft touch on the drums, making the players on the album seem like they've been together for years. With the advent of the acoustic showcase--namely Wilson's (Vegas venue) now-defunct Sunday night--there should be more singer/songwriters pushing out product. Charmed is a good lead to follow.-Chris King (Las Vegas Weekly)"

Matthew Harrison Biography

07/11/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're lucky, Matthew Harrison is getting regular air play in your market. If not you'll have to buy the CD and tune him in on your home broadcasting network. Be prepared for a relaxed, mellow, enjoyable, and, at times, intense musical experience. Charmed, the solid debut by Matthew Harrison, is full of poetic metaphors, melodies, and sometimes clichés. But that's OK. Clichés are oft' overused because they contain truths that all of us identify with. In most cases on Charmed they help to create a connection between the listener and the music. Songs that work on this CD include the title track Charmed. Charmed has a cool, clean sound. The song's protagonist seems to be tearing away from someone or something. He has a love/ hate for this thing, but in his wisdom walks away. What's really cool, is that the music, not the lyrics, reveals the paradox. He longs to stay, even though it's painful. He leaves because he knows the result will always be the same. Crawl is another tune that Works on this CD. If you could collect cool and put it on disc, this song is just that. The tone of Matthew's vocals and distinctive timbre in his voice make a simple song powerful. Matthew Harrison's vocals are the unifying, consistent factor throughout most of this album and make it so enjoyable. It's odd, but the most upbeat, positve songs on the CD were the ones I enjoyed the least. I think I disliked them mostly because Matthew's voice stumbled into Tal Bachman like territory - straining, painful vocals. In particular the song High, which seems like a subtle rip off of She's So High by the afore mentioned artist, bugged me quite abit. Overall, Charmed, is a solid debut. At it's finest it reminded me of Counting Crows, whom I enjoy quite a bit. I hope to hear more from Matthew Harrison in the future. I hope my market picks up an adult alternative station again soon.- review taken from bigbeefandbeer.com"

3 Listener reviews from Garageband.com

06/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Review of the song "SHE WAITS"
A HIT! Theres no doubt about it. From the absolutely beautiful chord pattern, through the counter-point chorus at 3:30 - and the accending melody line - to the single note natural fade; every aspect of this song is killer great. I HAD to play this song several times; I just loved it. This song felt like it was about two minutes instead of four and change - it leaves you wanting more. The song structure and arrangement was perfectly excecuted. A nice slow, build-up of instrumentation: acoustic guitars, phenominal bass line - light drums, a mellotron sounding keyboard (God, how I've missed that haunting sound) - compelling lyrics - harder drums on the chorus...just a great, great track. There's very, very little in today's market that excites me. But, I'd buy this in a heartbeat. I'd sign this band in a nano-second. And it thrills me NOT to find anything I'd do differently if I had written or produced this track. A first rate, 10 star performance! If anyone outside the band is reading this - BUY THE CD!
-reviewer from Pleasantville, New YorkReview of the song "MY BEST FRIEND"
Top of the Pops!!!!!!! This seems radio ready. Good song, good vocalist, nice guitar solo too. Not too flashy, but more interesting than most of the new rock soloists. 3min 26sec is a good length for a pop tune. 1. Performance - Good/Professional 2. Hook - Catchy/Radio Friendly 3. Production - Very good production I'm giving this a 5 out of 5 - and I don't give many (reviews that good). Good Job!!!!!!!!
reviewer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Review of the song "CRAWL"
Quality crystal clear production for something on Garageband. It really sounds crisp and well recorded. Performance is pretty much faultless, vocals are really really nice, dark and passionate. I'm trying to think who you sound like? Some parts remind me of the Tea Party, some Goo goo dolls. This is really good, well done.
reviewer from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia"