Dark, Brooding, Personal
Timothy P. Young | Rawlins, WY, USA | 09/06/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stan Ridgway, forever burdened by the sobriquet "former Wall of Voodoo frontman" returns for his first solo album since 2004. "Neon Mirage" is lonely, mournful, and, for Ridgway, incredibly personal. He eschews the character-driven songs of past albums to focus on meditations on identity ('Behind the Mask'), aging ('Day Up in the Sun'), and spiritual wandering ('Flag Up On a Pole,''Desert of Dreams').
The sounds range from the dust-covered folk-rock sound that Stan has perfected over the past decade or so to the curious 'bossa nova-esque' sounds of 'Desert of Dreams'. In terms of sound, there's nothing new here on this album. What is new is the personal nature of the lyrics, largely inspired by the death of his father. Also of note is a reworking of 'A Town Called Fate' that, if anything, surpasses the original in its feeling of desolation.
However, "Neon Mirage" is never depressing. It's more of an exploration of Stan's psyche, and while dark and brooding, still has a warmth at its core that makes the listener feel like they're in a room with a good friend. Which, in a way, I suppose Stan is, after all these years. ('Halfway There', in particular, has a warm sincerity that particularly moves me.)
Very, very good."
Neon Mirage
Robert Styger | New Jersey | 10/06/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another Great CD from Stan....
Wish he did more....
Well worth the money...."