|
|
|
When Mike and I first heard the His Name Is Alive album, "Ft. Lake", our initial thoughts were, "Ewwwww...." We like to refer to it as the "Warren-Gets-Laid" album.
Upon listening to the latest album from our beloved Archer Prewitt, we found ourselves thinking the same thing... ewww.... so now we have the "Archer-Gets-Laid" album. Let's sample some lyrics, shall we?
When we felt it starting to grow
There was no need to know
We'd play
Fumble around with the clothes
from "No Defense"
Ew, Archer, EWWW!!! I cringe just typing that out! So, sadly, while I do indeed love Archer, it's hard to listen to this album and not get a little grossed out. While I would suggest this is because I used to have a huge crush on the man, Mike agrees that the lyrics are a little "TMI" and make him uncomfortable, too. I mean, "when we felt it starting to grow"?!?!? God, Archer! Ewwwww!!!
Aside from the lyrics, my only other complaint is the female backing vocals of Kelly Hogan and Nora O'Connor. They have lovely voices, sure, but god, their soulful straight-outta-the-church-choir vocals sound soooo lame next to Archer's plain voice. Bring back Edith Frost! Please!
But really, those minor complaints aside, Archer continues his love of 60's-70's AM radio hits here, and that's quite alright with me. His soft soothing voice lends itself so well to that style of music. When I first popped this disc in, and heard the opening track "Over the Line", I was totally swooning. And "The Race" is truly lovely, sounding like an early Bee-Gees tune. (Hey, they weren't always disco, kids!) The flute in "Two Can Play" is utterly 70's AM radio for me. But then there's the weird "I'm Coming Over" with that funky bass line and those soul sisters wailing away in the background, and I just have to push the skip button.
Really, for the most part, I miss the quiet, poetic Archer who evoked the ghost of Nick Drake. This album, while very good in its own way, just doesn't entirely do it for me. (janice.07.02)
rating
in the sun • carrot top records • 1997
I have the hugest crush on this man. Not only is he incredibly cute, but his songs are just utterly brilliant. You may know Archer from the legendary band The Coctails or perhaps you are familiar with his work with The Sea And Cake. Well, back in 1997, he released this dreamy solo album, much to my delight. The first time I listened to this album, I flashbacked to when my family and I first moved to Texas. I remember riding with my parents in our ugly green Chevrolet station wagon and listening happily to the radio. This album reminds me of some of that easy-listening style stuff from the late 70's --- the whole breezy, jazzy yet melancholy quality. Archer enlists many of his friends to create a rich tapestry of sounds utilizing brass instruments, piano, cello, etc. Also, Archer's voice... (sigh) ...is like a big, fuzzy sweater. Listening to him makes me feel all dreamy and warm inside...did I mention I have a crush on him? The album ranges from delicate songs (such as the incandescent "Moore County Run" and "Let Me Fade Away") to the upbeat "Good Man" and "Rush Hour". This is one of my favorite albums ever. (janice.00)
rating
related links
