Customer Reviews

Confidence Man

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My husband and I preordered this as soon as we found out about the solo album and it definitely did not disappoint. Having long been fans of the Get Up Kids and then the New Amsterdams, we looked forward to seeing what direction Matt Pryor's music would go next. Once the CD arrived neither one of us could get enough of the catchy, get-stuck-in-your-head album. We've since been trading it back and forth so we can both get our fix. This album is an even more stripped down version of the New Ams, with even more emotion pouring out! We are seeing him Wednesday night and can't wait to hear the live versions!

I've followed Matt Pryor's career through The Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdams, The Terrible Twos, and now his own solo album. How can this guy write 16 albums or more worth of material in an 11 year span and still be absolutely awesome? You kind of get where I'm going with this review then I suppose...

Confidence Man is his first solo effort, and it doesn't disappoint. The album is quite similar to a New Amsterdams sound, but with what seems to be more personal lyrics.

Pryor is one of my all time favorite artists, and I'm not a fan of the "folksie, singer-songwriter" type. In fact I doubt you could find another one in my music library. But there's something about the way the man writes. This is a great addition to his library. And parents don't forget to check out "The Terrible Twos" which is basically kids music by the New Amsterdams. It's great to have catchy, fun songs for your kids done by an artist you can appreciate too.

Title says it all. After a year I still can't get enough of this album. Every song is brilliant.

I don't know a better way to compliment Matt's music more than to say that I can listen to his music over and over, day after day without EVER getting sick of it. I can't say that about anyone else - not anyone. One of my favorite song writers out there so I know I'll love it - I'll write more when I've listened for a while but I promise if you buy this CD you'll love every song and find yourself singing along in the car.

Matt Pryor has finally gotten back to his roots with his newest release! Every song really touches you. I can't wait to see him on the road this fall!!!!! Thank you Matt!

Confidence Man (2008, Vagrant) Matt Pryor's first studio album. ***

After the Get Up Kids disbanded in 2005, Pryor hasn't just been mulling around and twiddling his thumbs. He's been working on a delicate set of acoustic songs, all nicely tucked away into his solo debut Confidence Man. It's nothing groundbreaking and it doesn't fully recognize Pryor as any songwriting genius; all of these are still two-to-three minute numbers that aren't necessarily skillfully played. But what Pryor is going for is feeling, and occassionally he makes it work. Among the dribble of unintentional filler is "Loralai," an innocent piece with a beautiful harmony. "Confidence Man" is the best out of the bunch, with a swaying, easy summer afternoon felt harmonica, inspired by a mix of Bob Dylan and Ben Folds. And while the rest comes straight from Pryor's own mediocre sound, it's still something he put his heart into, and for that it's respectable.

-Stephen
www.politicianrock.blogspot.com