Customer Reviews

Born Under

5 star:		(5)
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2 star:		(1)
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I've been a fan of Martin Zellar's ever since I came across some music from his old band, The Gear Daddies. After listening to his solo debut, I'm an even bigger fan. The songs on Born Under make up some of the best songwriting I've ever heard. "Something's Gotta Happen" tells the story of man who wants desperately to provide for his family, but he caves in under the pressure. "Problem Solved" is about a woman trapped in a relationship with a controlling man. "Summer Kind of Sad" is told by an alcoholic who can't believe his partner stuck with him through all he put her through. These are all common themes, but the words and emotion in which Zellar expresses them are mesmerizing.

I also have to make special mention of the standout track on this album, "Force a Smile." This song is the most beautiful tune I've ever heard. Just an accoustic guitar, a cello, a subtle snare drum, and Zellar's one-of-a-kind voice. Awesome music.

Born Under combines excellent musicianship, heartfelt and emotional stories, and great songs, all on one album. By the way, if you've read this far into my review, it means you haven't run to your local music store or started ordering it from a great place like Amazon.com. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

After releasing some great music with his group, the Gear Daddies, Zellar's first solo release in 1994 was one of the best albums of the year. Simple stories with not so simple heartaches. You'll swear you know at least one person that belongs in every one of Zellar's poetic songs.

After releasing some great music with his group, the Gear Daddies, Zellar's first solo release in 1994 was one of the best albums of the year. Simple stories with not so simple heartaches. You'll swear you know at least one person that belongs in every one of Zellar's poetic songs.

Like Steve Wynn (ex-Dream Syndicate), ex-Gear Daddy Martin Zellar has more talent in his little finger than Fred Durst and the members of your average rap-rock outfit have in their entire bodies. Sadly (and why does this seem like deja vu?), hardly anyone has ever heard of him. And that's a shame because Zellar's tunes, at times delivered with a melodic, almost country-rock-like flair and verve deserve to be heard. Currently residing in the bargain bins of your favorite music emporium. Highly recommended and worth seeking out.

Martin Zellar is one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time. If you like Dylan or Springsteen, you'll love Martin Zellar.

I went to a recent concert of MZ and the Hardways. It was okay. Not great, but okay. So I purchased the album. Three words for you: overproduced, pretentious and schlocky. Another pseudo-rocker who is counting on his good looks to go somewhere. Chris Isaac of the 21st Century. An average band, an average song writer. If you have $15 extra bucks, spend it somewhere else. After listening to this album a couple times, it's likely to end up on the shelf, collecting dust and remaining unlistened to. The fate that it rightfully deserves.