Post-Apocolyptic Punk Folk at its best!
ajkillian@pstcc.edu | Walland, TN | 07/31/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stuart is known throughout every college town in the midwest for the melodic mirror he holds up to the face of middle America. His songs will make you think--even when you don't WANT to. However, on this album it seems the focus is more inward than his usual socially-driven topics for song. For instance, on the song "Jonah," he tells the story of one man sent over the edge by his heavily-twisted, yet frighteningly normal, family. He delves into the prospect of death preparation in "Practice Dying." This song gives a somewhat humorous and twisted take on our biggest fear: "Don't feel stupid we're all scared/no one wants to burn in hell/There's still time to get prepared/start out now and finish well." Stuart Davis is the most under-appreciated songwriter in the music industry today. His musical style will hook you. His lyrics will change you--for the better. Give him a try. You won't be disappointed. Also, if you get the chance, SEE HIM LIVE!"
This album is a great introduction to Stuart Davis
Hannah Kuhlmann | Minneapolis, MN United States | 08/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stuart Davis makes vibrant, sad, hilarious, beautiful music with acoustic and electric guitars and singing. On this album, he has a band with him. Ideally, one should see his live show to get a real sense of what his work is all about. But failing that, I'd recommend you check out this album. It illustrates the incredible mix of weird humor and intense spiritual and emotional content-type stuff that makes Stu's stuff so unique. Plus, this album has a kind of narrative that runs through it, (check stuartdavis.com for an explanation) that makes it fascinating listening for long car rides or trips across your heart."
Buy this. You'll like it.
Christopher Larsen | College Park, MD | 02/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stuart is an amazing guy whose career I am following very closely. I've seen him live, and am always amazed at how succinct and pointed his lyrics are. This album is no different, and contains talented electro-acoustic guitar work, insightful ideas, and powerful yet supple vocals. Stuart is the complete package: self producing, touring, singing, touring, and playing. Have no idea what this music is? Put a postmodern edge on Dylan, then add one dash each Ani DiFranco, John Gorka, Richard Thompson, Jim Infantino, Dan Bern, and Emily Saliers. I hope you like it as I do."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1