Wow! What a fantastic CD!

Apr 24, 2008

by mlmeredith

Rating:

After initially planning to sample it a little and then settling back to get the full experience later, I couldn't let go. Best laid plans don't you know? More than an hour later, after two consecutive play throughs, my feet were still tapping. This is flat out enjoyable music, artfully performed and with just enough lyrical commentary to give it some serious bite.

This was my first exposure to Tim O'Brien and it surely won't be my last. The musical marketing powers that be have elected to place a tag of "traditional folk" on his music and that's probably fair, but I would suggest that fans of bluegrass, Jim Croce, country, ethnic international and the folk music of the 60's will enjoy him as well. If that sounds like an eclectic mix of genres, consider that just in my initial sitting I counted musical or thematic hints of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Jerry Jeff Walker, Bill Monroe and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

How can I begin to list my favorites from this album? First there is an ode to lost love entitled "Phantom Phone Call." It's not often that I grab a pen to jot down a throwaway line from a song, but how can you not notice "mobile phone is a threat to the human race"? Trust me, it's completely appropriate in the context of the song.

Then there are the more political "World of Trouble" and This World was Made for Everyone." Listen closely, as you might not catch the irony. In case you're a little distracted, listen again. O'Brien pays attention and he's not reluctant to let you know. For those people in a relationship, "Safe in Your Arms" provides a wonderfully romantic lyric that should find its way into thousands of hand scratched love notes too.

This is a solo effort, a talented musician settling down in a comfortable place, just picking and singing; for himself, someone he cares for or just the world at large. And anyone that listens will be unable to restrain their toes from tapping.

One of the interesting facets of the liner notes, comes with the identification of the instrument he uses on each song, from a 1924 vintage mandolin to a 1998 banjo. I can't help but wonder whether each song was written with a specific instrument in mind, or whether the instrument bent the song into its final form. Either way, in Tim's hands the sound is wonderful!

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review by rwellsrwells. June 03, 2008

posted in Music Matters

If There's Any Justice

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review by kfontenot. May 04, 2008

O'Brien's Okay

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review by PeterReeve. April 28, 2008

Great performance, adequate songwriting

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About the reviewer

Michael Meredith (mlmeredith)
Ranked #298

Self-styled writer, traveller, philosopher, political pundit, photographer, loving husband, devoted father, grandpa, son, advisor, eBusiness professional. Maybe someday I'll discover what I really … more