Customer Reviews

Chappaquiddick Skyline

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've gotten a lot of flack for not pulling this album out of my cd player for days at a time. Frankly though, I've developed a deaf ear towards all the folks dubbing Mr.Pernice's songs as simply "depressing" or a "hangover waiting to happen." I feel like the guy behind such crafted songwork is more intelligent than your everyday depressed simpleton. I even detect some tongue in cheek to his crooning "I hate my life" over and over again on the opening cut.Instead of letting the narrator in "Breakneck Speed" steer you to the bar think of a less hyper, very mellow early Elvis Costello and maybe you'll catch my drift. Yes, on his latest outpouring, Joe gives us some more wrist-slitting lyrics alongside lush, pure-pop arrangements. However, after falling head over heels for his fine approach to songwriting back when he was with the Scuds, this time around I'm choosing to give him some much deserved credit in the "wit department." Don't get me wrong. These are sad songs. And, translated, that's pop music in a nutshell. Just don't leave it all at face value. I have to chuckle a little at the overall picture. It's either that or write the guy a prescription for Paxil, or Prozac, or something...

This guys writes beautiful songs just like fallin off a chair. Acoustically based with somewhat of a C'n W tinge to it. When he starts the whole shebang off telling us how he hates his life, the tone is set-regretful, bitter and lonely. And then the chorus comes in like sun in the eye of a hurricane. "Courage Up," one of the albums highlights has an almost Bacharach laced with Bread feel that's amazing. To really make this uncommunicative, this guys poppier stuff has a sound reminiscent of Wire, particularly on the Pernice Bros. album. Which makes it less odd that there's a New Order cover. Actually, considering the tone, a Joy Division cover might be more appropriate. "Breakneck Speed,""Up in Michigan,""Hundred Dollar Pocket," and "Kidney Shaped Pool," are just further evidence that Pernice is definately one of the finest songwriters around. In fact, the highest compliment I can give is that alot of Pernice's songs have a "Sister Goldenhair" vibe going-just the best.

Musical imagery is the best descrption for this album. Joe Pernice has the unique ability, somewhat similar to Lou Reed, to tell a story that could stand apart from the music and still resonate. Joe's carefully chosen lyrics paint vivid picture and give each song its own distinct feel, regardless of the music backing it. That's not to say that the music isn't good, because it's great. Don't let the sparse production on this album fool you, it only serves to magnify the overall tone of the recording. Joe Pernice is one of the finest young song writers on the scene today. It's a shame that he's no longer with Sub-Pop. Here's hoping there's still some records companies out there concerned with content instead of looks and packaging. Get this album so you can say you "knew him when..."

Joe Pernice has a knack for crafting anthemic melodies that sound as though they've been around forever. "Overcome By Happiness" is filled to the brim with those, but this album's charm lies in its claustrophobic intimacy. And that's precisely where it also fails.

Some songs, such as the sloppily titled "Theme from an Endless Bummer" and "Knights of the Night vol. 1" sound beautiful but feel unfinished and incomplete. They sound like acoustic lullabies, drifting out just before they reveal too much. And for good reason: Pernice is being slightly more literal about his sexuality and much more personal in his lyrics, but he isn't quite comfortable with his confessionals yet.

In the stronger tracks ("Solitary Swedish Houses," "Courage Up," "Leave Me Alone"), the lyrics are more universal, if every bit as melancholy, and the instrumental production is sizably larger. The rest of the album seems to be a continuation of the downer track to end all downer tracks, "Ferris Wheel." And that's certainly no complaint - as a whole, "Chappaquiddick Skyline" is a beautifully depressing portrait of emotional desperation and dramatized disappointment. If at times the sentiment goes overboard, it never sounds insincere.

As I just clicked to read the customer reviews, I saw none. I became curious as to what people are listening to these days. They obviously aren't looking for the good stuff and are simply digesting what is force fed to them by the media. Joe Pernice has risen to become one of the most amazing song writers of my time. And this album is a continuation of his greatness. The songs allow you to think about your life and you are inspired by Pernice's words and melody. If you once liked alternative music, and are looking for something on the mellow side. Buy this CD, and everything else Joe Pernice has been involved in (Scud Mountain Boys and Pernice Brothers).

I've had this cd for quite a while now. I can honestly say that this disc has not left my cd player for a solid year or more. So far, I consider this to be Joe Pernice's absolute masterpiece. His Scud Mountain Boys and Pernice Brothers releases are also excellent but this one is a step above. This is melancholy perfection that never gets old because you discover something new with each listen which is something very special. These melodies are some of the most achingly beautiful creations that I've ever heard. The imagery of these sad songs slap you in the face with Joe's quiet and expressive singing and lyrics that tell stories of doubt and loss. Honesty has never sounded so strikingly real and convincing. I suppose if I had to pick a couple of favorites they would be "Hundred Doller Pocket" and "Up In Michigan" but all of these songs are equally worthy of being favorites. Overall, it's sad incredible beauty will overwhelm you with emotion and truth that will never let go.

There are some beautiful songs on this CD. They make for extremely good company when you're feeling sad or melancholic. The combination of Pernice's voice against the strum of guitar makes you stand at attention even as it blankets you with sound and tells you to go lie down now. I think the cover art is a perfect match for the mood of this album, if you want to take a look.

A simply wonderful CD. Simple acoustic sound and Joe Pernice's lyrics and crepuscular croon are unmatched. "Breakneck Speed" is paradise. Not a poor song on the disc. How music like this does not catch on like wildfire is an enigma to me. The cover of "Leave Me Alone" is another highpoint. People may say its depressing, but when I listen, my downing is attenuated. Farewell and enjoy.

Chappaquiddick Skyline is a set of lovely laid back contemplative melodies by the folks who brought us "Scud Mountain Boys" and "Pernice Brothers." "If you could hear me laughing, I'm going to break your spirit down, I'm going to break you down...," Joe Pernice sings on "Up In Michigan," and from the sad laid back tone, he must be talking upper peninsula. "Do you wonder where I am right now?" Pernice sings on the beautiful melody "Hundred Dollar Pocket," "I can't say that you ever were my friend, but I loved you as hard as I could fall." "Knights of the Night Vol. 1" has gay themes with a sad meandering melody, "When he held me, I knew I was alive, and a million stars kissed the sky when he held me." New Order's "Leave Me Alone" is like a great constellation of shimmering guitar chiming like points of light in the sky. "Solitary Swedish Houses" has a slow samba-like feel with Beach Boy-era harmony. "The Two of You Sleep" has a simple guitar part with a lyric filled with regret, "As the light broke over the party, I saw the two of you sleep; With your clothes rolled up on the floor, I saw the two of you sleep." "Chappaqiddick Skyline" is delightful, which might sound like a strange comment for a set filled with themes of sadness. But Joe Pernice constructs lovely melodies that float and shimmer, quite original and interesting. Enjoy!

The first words you hear on this disc is "I hate my life". That sort of sets the tone for the entire album. So if that is not the subject matter for you, You best avoid this disc. But for those who are into sad-core, or slow-core music, this is a great album. Suprisingly, I find myself listening to this more than Massachuttess, Pernice's fine disc recorded with Scud Mountain Boys.