Customer Reviews

Girandole

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

 

 

I came across this album amidst a pile of dissapointments in the No Depression genre... Girandole is a refreshing twist amidst a multitude of bands that can't measure up to the likes of Jeff Tweedy, Jay farrar, and Ryan Adams. In short, a great album- itelligent lyrics and interesting melodies.

This, the second release from The Mertons is a showcase of talent that only proves the fact that the crew from Black Dog records knows a good thing when they hear it. Stronger and more cohesive than their previous effort, "A Standing Ground", "Girandole" boosts singer/guitarist J.P. Hanly's knack for storytelling of past lives and loves won and lost to a new level. This is "Kentucky Core" music at its finest.

Singer J.P. Hanley has a story to tell. In fact, he's full of them. One listen to this Kentucky bred outfit and you quickly realize this is not your average country-twinged roots rock band. As a matter of fact, the Mertons make clear their debt to early REM and the late Uncle Tupelo just as you start to sense that there's a little Merle Haggard behind the curtain as well. Hanley spins yarns that are reminescent of the sleepy south of Faulkner, with strong driving rhythms that make you want to set out cross country for a few weeks with your CD on repeat. I've managed to catch these guys several times live here in the southeast, and all I can say is that they are certainly one of those "must see" live acts. What gives this band an edge is its willingnes to go against the shy angst of the Ferrar set, and let go to rock out with spontinaety, for example, with a little Guided By Voices, or Pavement encore, Mertons style. Check them out-you won't be dissappointed!

I purchased this album from a used music store in Santa Fe. Mr. Hanley's lyrics are whiney and his vocals are grating. The CD does not appear to be professionally produced. I recommend trying to download the songs from your favorite P2P program.

Entering Girandole is like walking into a mysterious house filled with intriguing artifacts of the future-past. Each track is more masterfully played and mixed than one might expect from a "break out group."

John Patrick Hanley is as fine a poet as David Crosby. His rich vocabulary will have you scratching your head and searching your soul to put a finger on the exact emotion, memory or dream portrayed in each song.

Besides CPR Live, I think this is the best CD I've listened to this year.