WARNING: Whatever you do - I strenuously suggest that you NOT listen to this CD when you're down and out. Your veins will demand a razorblade or some other sharp object! That being said...

I realize that, as a music writer, I'm supposed to be open-minded when critiquing a solo/outside project CD. I'm not supposed to compare and contrast the solo CD with the music of said solo artists' band. But come on! You KNOW everyone wants to hear if it sounds like the band, or at the very least how it differs from the band. In this instance I was really hoping for some upbeat and buoyant Barenaked Ladies-style music. Hell, I just picked up my new car the other day (a hot little green Mini Cooper) and I was SO looking forward to blaring something fresh outta my sweet Harman Kardon stereo system - 'cause that thing smokes! So of course I was more than a little concerned that this CD would not deliver when, after the first track ("Nightlight"), I was met with more than a few soft and sad songs a la deeply mellow BNL. "Ball of Twine" was a bit more cheerful-sounding with a sort of epic '70s feel to it, and "Lost and Stolen" follows that mindset as well, but for the lost love theme - yet still not the solid rockin'-out pop I was hoping for.

Now, before I start getting hate mail accusing me of not being a TRUE BNL fan because I'm only looking for "One Week" or "If I Had a $1,000,000,000 " out of any Kevin Hearn project, that's really not the case. I like the more twisted and quiet stuff that the band has to offer too - "The Night I Fell Asleep At The Wheel" is an all-time favorite - but honestly, with all due respect to Mr. Hearn, this CD simply falls on bad timing. I was looking for something rockin', and the fact that I shouldn't have expected that is wholly beside the point! Yes, Kevin is a phenomenal songwriter and this CD shows this ability. The music is remarkable with moments of folk, synth, and leans towards Beatles odder, more docile stuff. (Hey, is that supposed to be the Blue Meanie on the cover?). Kevin has added some interesting and sometimes chaotic synth ("Empty House"), his soothing vocals and soft background music combining everything from an accordion, lowery organ, dobro, banjo, mandolin, and even a saw, to make for quite a combination, but it's all lost when you're depressed and not looking to wallow, or, in the alternative, you're in the mood to rock out with your cock out.

However, fast forward to track seven with "Here Come The Chimebell Trains", which, though still having moments of melancholy, has a pretty heavy edge to it, and wait...What's this??? Hold the phone!!! We're saved! "Born Human", which starts out with lovely lilting piano, kicks it up a notch. That's what I'm talking about! It's a bubbly little ditty about a girl who was raised by wolves. But...

KEVIN! GOOD CRAP! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?!? Tell me you didn't really cover "War Pigs" in a country western theme!!! (Think Soggy Bottom Boys doing Sabbath.) Holy frijoles - that's just WRONG! But yet, that's so BNL. It left me laughing and actually, based on the heavy guitar riff added in for good measure, decided this CD's fate, as it graduated to the Mini. But for the record, anyone else attempting such a feat, I will hunt you down and beat you with a blunt object!

Thank you and happy motoring!

www.kevinhearn.com/