Customer Reviews

Bloom

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Billy Pilgrim's "Bloom" makes my 'short list' of albums I can pop in and let run without need to skip past poor tracks. Most of the album centers on pop-ish, rockabilly tunes with a positve emotional feel. I've owned the album since its debut in 1995 and it's still a favorite choice for long road trips. I can't compare the sound to any bigger-name artists because this album's sound is far simpler than most but still has a unique quality. It's not over-produced but it doesn't have a cheap "basement studio" sound, either -- just clear, clean, 'honest' music. This is a -very- enjoyable album that doesn't get old after the fifth (or tenth, or twentieth) listen.

We are fortunate that the city of Atlanta has been generous enough to share this amazing band with the rest of the world. In a vein similar to their eponymous major-label release of 1994, this album is full of high-spirited acoustic treasures with lyrics that are insightful, heartfelt and sometimes hurting, but often joyful. From the foot-stomping energetic harmonies of "Sweet Louisiana Sound" to the sympathic sentiment of "I Won't Tell", Kristian Bush and Andrew Hyra have created a sound reminicent of driving through small southern towns on long summer days. Comparisons could be made to the Indigo Girls or even Simon and Garfunkel for the intricate harmonies, but the music itself is a lot more twangy, driving, and energetic. It's a keeper. Let's just hope we can expect a lot more from these guys.

Each time I listen to this album, my favorite song changes. Every blooming song is GREAT! I see from the other reviews that comparisons have been made to the Indigo Girls and Dave Matthews. Although I understand the similarities, the feel of this album is completely different, (and far better), than anything these other 2 bands have released. Buy this CD - toe tapping will almost immediately turn into singing along and dancing in your living room.

This album is just quality listening. Showcasing a great deal more maturity than the bands self titled debut, this is a more complete album. From the higher energy songs like Boyo and Shallow to the softer ballads including Closed Down the album is a focused journey. This is one of the only albums I never listen to on shuffle. The order of the songs was given as much thought as the structure of any song. A rare quality album and one that is not easy to find. If you want Dave Matthews or Strangefolk with more harmonies and less improvisational jams, this album provides it.

"Sweet Louisiana Sound" is just one of those songs that draws you in from the first chord. Even the tongue in cheek lyrics are fun "I've been waiting for the storm to pass, I clear a path and you could kiss my a$$ goodbye."