room tones
(Sarathan Records)
Reviewed by Vivian Hua
Tagged 2007 chrisopher blue indie rock rock sarathan records seattle bands
Sometimes listening to too many singer-songwriters in a row makes you think that singer-songwriters, as a whole, lack creativity. Singer-songwriter, acoustic guitar, mellow songwriting, pop rock: all those phrases begin to seem synonymous after a while.
Then in walks someone like Chrisopher Blue, and all I can say is, thanks! If you don't like Chrisopher Blues' style of jazz and blues-influenced rock n' roll, you have to
at least give him credit for breaking up the singer-songwriter monotony.
Prior to the release of his newest album,
room tones, Chrisopher Blue faced all kinds of hardships, including everything from jail time to failed bands and homelessness. But thanks to a pep talk from former Screaming Trees frontman, Mark Lanegan, Blue moved from Seattle, WA to Mendocino, CA and started over. His story is a fascinating one, and music lovers should be glad that Blue did not give up.
room tones is a diverse collection of somber and joyful tales that gives the listener insightful visual snapshots into the life of Blue.
Kicking off the album is the uptempo, bluesy "Ghost in the Night," a track that sets the pace for the album and will have you swaying in your shoes. The album doesn't let up there; all of the remaining songs culiminate into a fascinating listen that never tires or wears. Tracks like "Alone" are almost waltz-like in their lullaby delivery, and one can't help but be impressed by Blue's ability to make each and every track different from one another.
Blue may not be new to the music scene, but he is new to me, and I'm stoked that I've found a new singer-songwriter that I'll be listening to time and time again. He is truly a talented musician, and I'm glad he was able to conquer his personal slump.
what do you think?
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