Customer Reviews

Carlton Chronicles: Not Until Operation's Through

5 star:		(6)
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A very nice follow up and progression from 2003's Welcome, Convalescence, The Carlton Chronicles must be taken as a whole rather then a bit at a time. This is not something you put into the player and expect it to hit you in the face but requires the listeners involvment in the textures that weave throughout the complete work. Exquisitely crafted by Matt Pence and company, the Carlton Chronicles follows the adventure of Will Johnson's cat on a journey through self awarness. The real reward lies in the ambient spaces created on pedal steel by Matthew Stoessel and Will's unusual delicately but powerfully placed vocals.
This is a work that slowly rewards the listener with each encounter much as most of the Centro-matic collective works, wrapped in an eternal and timeless musical quality that stands the test of time. All hail the new kings ...............

Wow. Will and crew may have perhaps outdone themselves this time. Beautifully intriguing soundscape set in three acts as seen through the eyes of Carlton the Cat. Wonderful blend of guitar, steel(thanks Matthew Stoessel), banjo(Howard Draper) and , of course, Scott's keyboards and violin. All interwoven and wrapped around Mark's bass (also plays guitar - it's fun to watch the guys switch around instruments during the live sets) and Matt's impeccable drumming and production. And who but Will could put together the lyrics and music for such a fantastic opera. Just phenomenal.
I love the fact that Centromatic/South San Gabriel/Will Johnson all have their own distinct qualities and characteristics. I have three favorite bands and anxiously await each new release (has there ever been a more prodigious songwriter than Will). If you have the chance to see the band live in whatever guise, drop whatever you are doing and make it to the show. Not only does the Centro gang always put on one hell of a show, they are all genuinely nice guys. The Carlton Chronicles is an amazing work of art which I truly hope garners the attention it deserves. Good guys deserve good things to happen.

Beautifully poetic. Songs chronicle the odyssey of Carlton the cat and his grass-is-always-greener longings and subsequent escape adventures. Sadly sweet, lyrical, heart-tugging and just plain fun at times. I love this cd and feel closer to it than any I've purchased in years (and I mean years!). Cheers to Will J. and crew. I'm hooked and can't be without this one at my side at all times...just knowing the cd is close by makes me feel better about everything. An absolute masterpiece. *sigh*

I dont know why I get upset at the lack of recognition this album gets. Any other band or any other record I love I'm glad that no one knows about them. makes me feel like they are mine. But this record is different. I want everyone to hear it. I want everyone to experience it like I have. It is a revelation.

this is a record you listen to and wonder how you lived without it for so long. the songs flow together like some sort of indie rock opera. laid back and epic at the same time. Will Johnson continues to deliver essential music.

I listened to this album every day for the first three months I had it. It's something amazing and delicious.