Search - Toothpick :: Time Travelin Couch

Toothpick has what it takes.

Kristina Lang | New York | 12/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Doug Ray is an ex MC from the rap group Bad Ronald that released an album with Warner Brothers back in 2001. The group didn't last but judging by this album it was for the better.



Toothpick has a deep voice that is strangely hypnotic and works well with the chords of his guitar. He plays simple chord progressions but his style is anything but simple. Pick is a talented freestyle rapper who basically writes lyrics that just make you feel good. Rhymes about getting stoned, partying and learning from your mistakes.



Songs like 'Scars for Entertainment' and 'Green Monster' display a complexity that is unseen in most competing musicians such as Michael Tolcher. However his strongest tracks are those simple ones that get a grasp on your mind like 'High Life', 'Everyday and Everynight Girl', and 'Knockout Punch'.



Toothpick is an act that has not been seen before. He has toured with grass roots legends O.A.R, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Ziggy Marley and Gavin Degraw.



This album has alot going for it and its only a matter of time before he explodes into a music phenomenom."

He Will Be Great.

Barnett E. Bursley | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 03/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In listening to much of what is considered "popular" rock and rap today, and then comparing it with what I have heard on this CD, I realize that our popular conception is somewhat backwards. Toothpick (Doug Ray) is one of the most original songwriters of the past twenty years, blending rap and soft acoustic backgrounds to form, at the least, what could be considered a new musical genre. I first heard Toothpick at an O.A.R. concert, playing without a band as the warm-up act. The audience apparently didn't like what they heard, and grew increasingly impatient until O.A.R. played. I was interested, though. As I left the concert several hours later, I passed Toothpick in the lobby offering to sign his CDs. He was not getting much attention. I regret greatly not meeting him now, and I fear that the next time he comes to Pittsburgh, he will be too famous to sign autographs. What I heard in Toothpick's playing that night was unlike anything I was used to. I went to his website to learn more. I listened to samples of his CD Drive Easy, which is now quite hard to find, and was a bargain at $10.00 at the time. Most of Drive Easy's songs are on Time Travelin' Couch, along with some new ones. This is truly an amazing CD. Toothpick's original sound and immensely creative lyrics blend seamlessly to form what, if enough people hear it, could become a musical legend."

An amazing talent that gets my vote for best of 2004!

P. Bean | Hoboken, NJ | 03/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Toothpick through the first release of this cd, which was titled "Drive Easy" and relased on Everfine Records in early 2004. Everfine was created by O.A.R., my favorite artists, so I figured if they were promoting Toothpick, it was worth a listen. Boy was I right. He is an incredible talent and blends rap and r&b with roots rock, funk, and a touch of blues. His deep, raspy voice blends perfectly with his acoustic guitar-driven rythmn backed by catchy beats. It may sound like a strange blend, but it really works. My wife loves this cd and she typically doesn't listen to rap or hip-hop. "Time Travelling Couch" is worthy of radio play, and "Knockout Punch", "Scars For Entertainment", "Goodnight Moon", and "High Life" are all equally as pleasing and enjoyable. Great album."