Customer Reviews

Grouchyfriendly

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

One day I was driving down the road when I heard this song that just touched my heart. Upon returning to work I immediatly called the radio station to find out that it was Melt by Phil Roy. Before I was even able to purchase the CD I was on my way to see him open a show in Philadelphia. I have purchased way too many CD's to find that there is only one song on it that amazes me. This is not one of those CD's. I find each song to be moving in it's own unique way. I highly recommend Grouchyfriendly to anyone with an open mind who appreciates true talent. I have to say that up until discovering Phil Roy and having the pleasure of seeing him perform live, I have never found an artist who even comes close to touching me and humoring me in the way that Tom Waits does. Phil Roy is a true talent and Grouchyfriendly is an amazing example of music and talent at it's best.

This singer/songwriter hits the heart and soul with such knockout lyrics. His sound is unique yet familiar. A must have for anyone staying current with the best in the business of making music.

The greatness here is that Grouchyfriendly is not a compilation of homogeneous songs. The joy is that each song is entirely unique and whole. That "Melt" is a great song is no argument. But in addition to "Melt," there is the gentle "Show Me the Way Home," the slick "This Business of Love," the funny and profound, "Alcohol Affection" and the soothing "It's Alright." There is a depth of expression in Phil Roy's voice that is real. The guitar work of Heitor Pereira and Ricardo Silveira weave throughout to create a sound that is unparalleled in anything I have heard. Each time I listen to Grouchyfriendly, I am stirred and amazed but it's depth and subtlety. Now that I have found Phil Roy, I can't imagine being without him.

When I am feeling Grouchy this CD gets me friendly again. If only the music industry were peopled with Artists of this caliber. This cats going to explode! Thankyou!Thankyou!Thankyou !

Jill Sobule w/Phil Roy
at Luna Park, West Hollywood
Wednesday Nov. 8, 2000

Phil Roy proved to be an unexpected highlight. Prior to launching a solo recording career, Roy provided music for such films as Leaving Las Vegas, As Good as it Gets, Love & Sex, and The Mask, and provided material for a diverse range of performers including Joe Cocker, Aaron Neville, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. These commercial efforts belie the emotional depth of Roy's self-released album grouchyfriendly, currently a top independent seller on Amazon.com.

Roy, singing and playing classical guitar, was joined on stage by John Leftwich on double bass. The songs, rich with thick chords and raw, personal lyrics probed themes of isolation, compromise, and loss with a unique quiet beauty. "It's Alright," recently heard on TV's Judging Amy, deals intimately with universal fears. The soulful "Alcohol Affection" contained surprising changes and a haunting refrain: 'pour another one...pour another one.' Roy closed the set with his indie hit "Melt," a love ballad for a damaged soul co-penned by Nicolas Cage. This musician seems to have found a rare balance in his life between commerce and art. In a world where music is too often merely product to be marketed like so much soap, Phil Roy's work is as human as it gets.

If you liked the album, you will absolutely love Phil Roy Live! One of the best performers to come along in years. If you have the opportunity, run to see him.

I haven't fallen this hard for anything since I was a teenager! I heard "Melt" on the radio while driving to a meeting and made a mental note of the time. It became my spiritual mission to learn the name of the artist and the song! Now that I have acquired Phil's CD, I find myself a thoroughly delighted disciple. Phil Roy's voice is completely fresh - gentle, playful, soulful and excruciatingly baleful. Nothing is put-on. His lyrics are the same - like someone speaking so openly from their heart that they don't realize the poetry they've just created. His music is zen-like. It's apparent simplicity ultimately reveals its depth. The entire CD is like reminiscing about a life - my life - and probably most of our lives. It's the kind of music you listen to with a smile on your face and tears in your eyes. It is both haunting and playful, lush and stark, comforting and chilling. I'm in love. I feel understood.

This CD is a jewelbox full of little treasures that deserve close examination and listening. Rich and spare arranging contrast with the thoughtful lyrics which reflect the pain and pleasure of life. Playful, provocative, revealing, sarcastic without cynicism. These songs are full of human foibles and frailties balanced by humor. It is extraordinary to have this kind of music which reflects an intelligent humanity. I am delighted to have discovered Phil Roy's music and wish him the success he deserves.

very occasionally a jewel of a tune leaps off the radio and leads you to a wonderful cd you wouldn't have discovered otherwise. this is one of those rarities that give you a glimpse into someone's soul by way of some great music. i wish mr. roy success and joy, and look forward to his next offering.

Amid the myriad of teen-pop comes an album so raw, so real that it grows on you with each listen. "Grouchyfriendly" is a visceral, gut-wrenching collection of songs punctuated with a series of exceptional musical performances by Phil Roy and his guests.Contrary to what some might think, in exploring so many complex emotions, the artist produces a uniquely uplifting, hopeful work. A terrific disc for a long drive, or for late at night.