I've had George's new album for a few days now, and I must say that the more
I listen, the more I like it.  Catch Fire caught my attention first, but One
Good Reason and Honestly have really grown on me.
 
At first I though the album sounded thin compared to the Connells' work, but
I got over that rather quickly.  It's probably due to the lack of Mike's
guitar wash in the background that made me feel that way and it is what I
find to be the greatest divergence from any of the past Connells' albums.  I
think the guitar work on Brain Junk, while more understated, is quite
intricate and supports the songs very well.  Also, the vocals are very well
thought out, and I especially like how he floats between harmony and unison
parts within his own multitracked vocals.  The harmonies remind me of an
album put out a few years ago by Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey called
Mavericks.  I knew I'd see Peele's name in the credits as soon as I heard
the drums on a few songs.
 
Does anyone else hear the similarity between Overdose and Doin' You?
 
My only criticism is that I think George uses cliches a little too often in
his lyrics - their good, and usually twisted in some creative fashion, but
too much of a good thing...hey, he's still a great songwriter, and I don't
know that it's that big of an issue anyway.
 
John Haramis
 
Midway Music, Inc.
P.O. Box 10972
Blacksburg, VA  24062-0972
Voice: (540)961-4831
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