Search - Richard Julian :: Smash Palace

Smash Palace
Richard Julian
Smash Palace
Genres: Folk, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #1

With all the influences available to a young man in an accelerated information age, it would be foolish for a cosmopolitan '90s singer-songwriter like Richard Julian to stick to one style. On SMASH PALACE, he doesn't bothe...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Richard Julian
Title: Smash Palace
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Blackbird Records
Original Release Date: 1/12/1999
Release Date: 1/12/1999
Genres: Folk, Pop, Rock
Styles: Contemporary Folk, Singer-Songwriters
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 643443800525

Synopsis

Album Description
With all the influences available to a young man in an accelerated information age, it would be foolish for a cosmopolitan '90s singer-songwriter like Richard Julian to stick to one style. On SMASH PALACE, he doesn't bother. Where his debut cleaved to an organic, Americana rock & roll sound, the followup throws the rulebook into a blender and lets the pieces fall in a deceptively precise manner. Here he forsakes the singer-fronting-a-band approach for the multi-instrumentalist-run-amok-in-the-studio method of Prince or Beck (both of whose influences can be felt here). With the help of producer/musician Brad Jones and a few talented sessioneers, Julian moves through Leonard Cohenish apocalypse ("The Restless Sea"), Bonnie Raitt-worthy bluesy sass ("Big Big World"), ethereal ballads to rival Jeff Buckley ("As If") and ARMED FORCES-style power pop ("The Second Smallest State"). All this eclecticism might be for naught without the incisive, studied lyricism, sophisticated harmonic sensibilities and smoky, intimate tenor that are the main weapons in Julian's formidable arsenal. This varied, inspiring album hangs together chiefly due to the strength of Julian's authoritative artistic vision.

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CD Reviews

I'm blown away!
John R. Kathrein | Arlington Heights, IL United States | 09/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally, I heard Broken Watches on Austin City Limits when the Nashville writer they were spotlighting was asked what he is listening to. He commented that he thought Richard Julian was one of the best wordsmiths in music and the his music was excellent. After hearing the song, I was intrigued enough to by the CD. I was stunned by the clever lyrics.The arrangements and recording quality made me feel like I just discovered gold! It's rare for me to like every song on a CD, but I enjoy every song on Smash Palace. If you are looking for a fine example of new artistry, superb back up musicians, mesmorizing arrangements and fantastic recording quality, then I urge you to pick up a copy of Smash Palace."
Clever, rhythmic lyrics, catchy melodies, lots of fun!
prinskinner | New York | 11/02/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'll admit it: I originally bought this CD just because I worked with Richard at his day job and he's a very nice guy. I'd never heard him perform, and I had modest expectations. Then I found out that my now-ex-coworker is an awesome musician. The more I listened, the more this album surprised and impressed me. It's delightfully eclectic, the songs are very catchy, and his singing is full of feeling. To top it off, his lyrics are some of the best around. They're startlingly clever and funny, and their rhymes and rhythms add fire and spice to the music. This album is a blast!"
Way to go Richard
prinskinner | 09/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I have finally heard something from this album that I don't get to hear much. My cousin rocks with his two albums that are currently on the market. I son't get to hear him much but when I am in stores up north, I always look for the chance to get his music in some form of ausio. Keep up the good work and I liik forward to hearing more from you soon. Great job again, Richard"