Customer Reviews

Brian Vander Ark

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

 

 

If you complain that you love a recording artist's albums but when you hear them in person you find out their true talent lies in their selection of sound engineers, Brian Vander Ark breaks that mold. I had heard of Brian through his days with the Verve Pipe, but I had never actually heard anything he had done on his own. After going to an acoustical concert he put on this fall, I came home wanting more. This album brings that intimate atmosphere back to me like I am getting my own concert in the comfort of my home. You get it all, talented acoustics, beautiful lyrics, humorous and touching songs and a sense of what it's like to sit through a concert with Brian and his guitar. I highly recommend this album to remind people that there still are talented musicians in the music industry that sound just as good in person as they do on their albums.

As I listen to the junk on today's radio and see people screeching to be America's next Idol, I am amazed that Brian Vander Ark remains largely under America's radar. This guy is a brilliant lyracist and musician and his talent shines through on this self-titled album. I saw Brian as part of the Verve Pipe in 1996. I have seen him several times as a solo acoustic performer, including a killer set he did at my house as part of his Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms tour. Whether he's rocking it out or bringing it down, Brian delivers the goods. My favorites on this album are And Then They Fell, Went With the Road, and Love So Deep. The album is so solid from start to finish. I am certain if you try this album, you will be buying all of his other work shortly after.

All of you should be familiar with Brian Vander Ark; if not his name, you undoubtedly are aware of his previous band, The Verve Pipe, which produced the monster hit "The Freshman" in 1997. Now, one of the smartest and most vital songwriters around, Brian Vander Ark has released his third astounding solo effort (self-titled).

This time out, Brian Vander Ark has recruited producer Bill Szymczyk, who has worked with everyone from The Who to The Eagles. Unlike the gritty post-grunge sound of Verve Pipe, Brian's solo efforts are typically acoustic coffeehouse affairs. Thankfully, with rare exception, he continues in this style for the third time out. The style is perfectly tailored to his thought-provoking lyrics and emotive, mildly raspy vocals. It is difficult to find tracks on any BVA release that are not engaging and screaming for an instant replay.

As expected, the production on this release is outstanding - crisp and clean acoustic guitars, beautifully placed piano and orchestration, vocals at just the right volume. Standouts include "And Then We Fell", "Little Man" (wonderful lyric; "there are no ordinary lives"), "Lily White Way", and one of the most honest love songs ever, "Optimism's Glow".

BVA has done it again. Fans of Glen Phillips, Aimee Mann, and Peter Stuart take note. And if you like what you hear, pick up his previous two releases as well.

Key tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Bill's Music Forum review

Another amazing release from an amazing (and certainly underrated) song writer/musician. Highlights: "I Went With The Road" / "Monday Morning Girl" / "We Were Never The Same". The CD is a 9 out of 10 for me. If you're a fan of Brian's first two solo releases ("Resurrection" & "Angel Put Your Face On") I strongly recommend this CD.

This is just another fine Brian Vander Ark album. I like it very much, although I rate his Resurrection album as his best, this is close. He was great with The Verve Pipe and I miss them, but you must get over band break ups. This is a nice album with his usual closeness. Keep them coming, Brian, and come back to Minneapolis again, soon. FYI: Those using the artwork from Amazon will find the photo out of proportion, use my scan which I added for you,