Sing, Breathe & Be Merry: Good Advice for the Underappreciated from Chris Harford
Written: Dec 01 '03 (Updated Dec 01 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: An inviting mix of tracks (live, unreleased, studio) from an underappreciated independent artist.
Cons: Doesn't contain "Dragonfly"
The Bottom Line: Harford’s sounds are disparate, rarely diffident, and, at times, dissonant explorations that do more to envelope the listener into his world rather than rebuke them as an outsider.
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| MiDoyle's Full Review: Sing, Breathe and Be Merry - Chris Harford & the B... |
The common perception is that the music industry defines what is “popular,” and based on purely commercial (number of units sold) means, that’s true. That’s not to say that the “follow what’s popular” music buying public is without blame either. Many consumers bemoan the lack of “quality” choices, but fail to support the artists in their midst that don’t fit the music industry’s cookie cutter philosophy.
What about the artists who fall between the cracks? Are they any less “valid” simply because the music industry is actively ignoring them?
Thankfully, in this age of the Internet and the evolving ability of independent artists to release material on their own outside the music industry definition of “popular,” some artists are able to strike a blow for artistic merits outside of commercial considerations. Case in point: New Jersey musician Chris Harford.
I’ve been a fan of his since the early release (on vinyl even) of Be Headed, one the best undiscovered albums of 1992, and his last and only major label release (Elektra Records). Since then, Harford has managed to survive on his own (with Black Shepard and Soul Selects Records), building a dedicated fan base, and engaging a revolving group of like minded musicians to play his music and tell his literate, romantic, exceptionally honest, and involving tales.
Harford inhabits his songs with characters and situations that are more universal than not, yet they remain personal and intimate for the listener. You feel as if he is unveiling his secrets to you, though you may have heard it before. He writes the kinds of songs that can make 3 a.m. listening sessions seem like a good idea.
With Sing, Breathe & Be Merry [selected songs 1989-2002] Harford delivers what he describes as a “taster” of his music, since he hasn’t had any hits. The listener shouldn’t mind at all and, if anything, this “taste of Harford” is a welcome invitation to discover more of his music.
Harford writes in different genres depending on song. He’ll write the perfect power pop track, then follow it up with a country-western tune, a post-punk explosion, or something with heavy distortion and filtered vocals. He’s not afraid of a wall of sound mix, stringed instruments, pedal steel, or a guitar solo that rumbles up and down your spine like a spreading itch without antibiotics. That is to say, Harford’s sounds are disparate, rarely diffident, and, at times, dissonant explorations with peaks and valleys that do more to envelope the listener into his world rather than rebuke them as an outsider.
Though accused of artistic excess (studio wizardry, wall of sound), he’s also capable of stunning a room with his acoustic guitar and his warm, weathered, quaver of a voice.
Harford takes a decided risk on Sing, Breathe & Be Merry [selected songs 1989-2002] by releasing live tracks, outtakes, and rarities mixed in with his more recognized tunes. But, they wind up being strong illustrations of his ability to continually reinvent his music, if only for his own amusement.
Tracks
Unsaid Things (1992, Be Headed original Elektra release)
Joe Strummer's Midnight Dream (2000, Wake)
Does It Turn You On? (2000, studio outtake)
Swinging Bridge (2001, Live with RANA)
You For Me (2002, unreleased)
Blanket Of Snow (1995, from Be Headed 2 artist release)
Leaf Of Fall (2000, Wake)
This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) (1998, Live at CB’s 313 Gallery)
Raise The Roof (1993, unreleased)
Satellite Angel (1995, Comet)
Sing, Breathe & Be Merry (1998, Band of Changes)
Second Guessing (1995, Comet)
In Love With This World (1998, Band of Changes)
Lonesome (1993, unreleased)
Sing, Breathe & Be Merry [selected songs 1989-2002] collects all of the above, delivers thrills, and possibly opens the minds of those who come in contact with Harford for the first time; at least, that’s a hope. It’s a terrific collection from an artist many ignore at their own listening peril. I rate it with four stars and recommend it for those listeners with an open ear.
Cat Rating Scale
Freddie and Chester like their Harford with the volume lower than required and a cat nip chaser. Mixed paw response.
Sources
Harford’s music and art is available directly from the artist at www.chrisharford.com, an exceptionally well produced site with bio information, shopping, samples, and art.
This review prompted by “Alex Green's Caught In The Carousel: Chris Harford, Jennifer Lopez And The Importance Of Being Honest,” article by Alex Green, posted at http://www.chrisharford.com/news/news_yahoo_alexgreen.html
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
MiDoyle
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 in Music |
 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Michael Doyle
Location: Morris County, NJ
Reviews written: 525
Trusted by: 171 members
About Me:
Schadenfreude is worth living for.
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