Customer Reviews

Break Your Mother's Heart

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I fell in love with Tim Easton's music when I heard him open for Mark Eitzel in Portland, OR last year. I quickly snatched up "The Truth About Us" and found it to be brilliant and heart-felt. "Break Your Mother's Heart" took about three listens and I was hooked. (I'm now trying to find a copy of "Special 20.") Tim's gravelly voice and beautiful lyrics meld together perfectly, creating songs that provide sometimes humorous and sometimes heartbreaking glimpses in to other people's lives (listen to "John Gilmartin" for the heartbreak).

And regarding a previous review ... who compared him to Matthew Sweet?? That's just a bizarre comparison; I don't hear it at all. It's hard to compare him to anyone, but I think that if Paul Westerberg and Wilco were to smash together, they might sound something like Tim Easton. But Tim is unique, and his music can stand on it's own. Tim never has trouble finding people to play on his albums, and seems to be able to pick and choose among immensely talented musicians---it's a testament to his own talent.

If you haven't bought the album yet, do so and you won't be disappointed ... and while you're at it pick up "The Truth About Us" as well!

Tim Easton's "Break Your Mother's Heart" is everything a singer-songwriter album ought to be; smart, tuneful, and hook laden. Easton's last album, "The Truth About Us," was overproduced and had only a few catchy songs. Not so this time out. The very first track, "Poor, Poor LA" has tough lyrics, but a chorus you can sing along to. "John Gilmartin," is an excellent folk rock tune, while the gorgeous ballad "Hummingbird" is reminiscent of Matthew Sweet's best moments. Unfolding over nearly seven minutes, "Watch the Lightning" is the kind of song fellow LA troubador Jackson Browne might have written on his best day.

The album is well produced and Easton is backed by a crack group of experienced sessions musicians. They suit his laid back style much better than the members of Wilco did on his last album. The CD booklet contains photographs of the artist as well as a full lyrics sheet.

Overall, a tuneful winner of an album from a singer-songwriter who deserves a much bigger audience.

songs 6-9 are four of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a row on a cd in a long time. "watching the lightning" in particular is stunning. let me know if you agree. overall an extraordinary cd. i usually am more reserved in my reviews, but this cd deserves all the accolades that it gets. don't let anybody steer you wrong--just get it

This cd is outstanding!! I have been listening to Tim since his Haynes Boys days, and this cd is about the finest collection of songs Tim has written to date. I can't seem to get this cd out of my player. This is defintely the best album I have bought in awhile. I wish he could get more recognition, because this is a guy who deserves it! I can't recommend this cd enough. If you are in the mood for just flat out good quality music, give this one a try. You will not be dissapointed!

There is a lot to recommend here-from the sand and honey vocals, the outstanding rhythm section, the truly fine guitar playing, the great lyrics, including many hooks and sing-a-long choruses. Add the overall feel of a live recording and you have a really great record. The opening song, "Poor, Poor L.A" is a real gem about a crack addict and all his excuses sung as a midtempo rocker. "You don't have to break your mama's heart to change the world" is the chorus, and it sticks because I sing right along with it every time I hear it! The next song is "Black Hearted Ways" and it too has a memorable chorus. "John Gilmartin" is sort of a folk song-the story of a once strong man who fell down the stairs and has turned into a drunken recluse that no one wants to be around. "Hanging Tree" is about a stifling relationship and neither of the partners are able to work up the courage to leave. I don't want to bore folks with too many details, so my advice is to get this cd, listen to what really talented musicians can do. And pay attention to the nuances-the organ, percussion, bass, guitars, lyrics and the way Tim phrases the song. Just outstanding-highly recommended!

On first listening I thought this Album reminded me of Ryan Adams but I feel that musically his talents go much deeper. This is an excellent Album with some finely crafted songs such as "Hummingbird" and is a very welcome addition to my large and ever expanding CD collection and is a CD which made me sit up and take notice.
The production and musicianship on this Album are of the highest quality so if you like Ryan Adams,Wilco,Joe Henry,Paul Thorn and the like you should give this a listen!

So I just received my copy of Break You Mother's Heart. I'd heard of Tim Easton, but never took the time to learn more...until now. This CD is definely on of the best I've bought in the past few years. Hummingbird is my favorite song, but Poor Poor LA and Black Hearted Ways rock! This record will stay in my CD player for a long time. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

No complaints. Lexington Jail is my favorite on this album. If you like him, try James McMurtry.

I picked this up after reading some positive reviews of it (Rolling Stone gave it 4 stars). Upon listening to it, the comparisons to Matthew Sweet made a lot of sense. The problem that I have with this album was that despite giving it a couple of good listens, I really couldn't tell you what any of the songs sound like. While hook laden and catchy, I found the songs somewhat forgettable.

Well, I had some high expectations about this album. I thought I would hear a voice with that something special. Anyways, listening to it was dissappointing. I just went into that long list of music that just "floats" by. Not much to go give a big shout out for.