Customer Reviews

The Hell You Say

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

 

 

Cory Branan's "The Hell You Say" is a fresh sound in the singer/songwriter genre. "Miss Ferguson" pops like a Mellencamp classic with a wildly original lyric, "She comes around at midnight like a Sunday afternoon with a purpose & a manner like a needle & a spoon, a bad thing waitin' round to happen like a lake of gasoline, the way that woman does me is just like nothing I've ever seen." "Jolene" is a good rocking track. It might be kind of hard to see how this Southaven, Mississippi man used to front a Black Sabbath covers band, but it isn't hard on a slow ballad like "Tame" to see that he has been impressed by the music of John Prine. "Love Song 8" deals with serious themes of domestic violence. "American Dream" is a sad dirge of innocence lost. Branan references Burger King, fake tattoos & the tilt-a-whirl in the lovely ballad, "Crackerjack Heart," "It's the way you taste like a storm rolling in across the bed, the way you answer me with those eyes, speaking volumes about things unsaid." Branan channels John Prine on "Troublesome Girl," "Goodbye Abilene; I leave my everything to the care of the West Texas moon." "Whiskey Grove" is a marvelously heartfelt and touching slow acoustic tune. This set ends with the strong "Closer" with Branan's aching lonesome vocal. Branan's music is original, more lyrically than melodically oriented that is pervaded by a sense of sadness, something not quite at peace in the American dream. It's as disquietingly beautiful as it is quiet and lyrical. Enjoy!

This man is truly an artist...in an industry where they put out such terrible "music" by "artists"...most of it is hype, but this guy is the real deal. you won't get tired of these songs...they really touch your heart and your funny bone.
Don't hesitate to buy this album, you'll be so glad you did. Looking forward to the release of his new album this fall.

This record personifies good Memphis music. Go to the Beale Street Music Fest next May and see Cory perform. Cory is the quintessential Renaissance man...he's a musician, a poet, and a painter. That is all obvious after hearing this recording. It is sweet, raw music...like what you would hear at music festivals.

He is a brilliant songwriter...well, a brilliant writer in general. He gave a fun performance on Letterman too. I went to High School with Cory, and I always knew he would be making music for a living one day. Mr. Creative.

cory branan is an amazing song writer and like ben nichols from lucero says in his song "tears don't matter much": "cory branan has an evil streak and a way with words that will bring you to your knees." he has a knack for writing some of the best lyrics and if you are lucky enough to catch him live, go do it!!!!! wow is all i can say. my favs on this album happen to be "crackerjack heart", "jolene", "crush", "skateland south" and "wayward and down". of course the rest of the album is great as well, but hey...those are just my picks. "wayward and down" is a nice drunken singalong song, "crackerjack heart" is wonderful and is such a nice duet with kim richardson. they seem to have an amazing musical chemistry (you should see them together live...wow.)...

GET THIS ALBUM!

cory has a way with words that bring me to my knees he is truely amazing he has quickly became a top five artist for me. his voice is purely majic. if you like good music then you will love cory branan.

i saw cory at the Mercury Lounge in nyc last nite, and his songs remind me so much of the sweet, slow and mildy sarcastic atmosphere of home.

there is something deeply cool about his songs of girls, skating rinks and broken hearts. all sung in an earnest rumbly tumbly of a voice. it's lovely. cory is a lovely person, too, so just knowing that should make you want to buy the album.

I'm not from Memphis. Never been there actually. But if Cory Branan is what that place is about -- and not Elvis -- I'm going sometime soon.
I got this album from a friend who had seen Branan in LA and recommended it. And I can honestly say I haven't stopped listening to it yet. The words are amazing. Funny one song. Sad the next. But always intriguing and thought-provoking. It's so cliche to use the word "poetry." So I won't. But if you like a person who can churn out a good line, grab "The Hell You Say." It's a breath of fresh air for a music scene that desperatly needs it.

First of all, if you've never listened to Cory Branan, then let me apologize. I'm sorry someone didn't drunkenly turn you on to him sooner. I'm sorry no man never put one of his sugarsweet songs on a mix cd for you. Basically, he's amazing. Listen to his influences... John Prince, Tom Waits, Robert Earle Keen, etc., and you'll hear it. Until then, sit back, listen to this, and wonder to yourself what happened to real singer songwriters like Cory Branan. He's a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll, but completely wonderful. Ahhhh..... Love him! xoxo

Its hard to find a CD today that carries the sencerity and passion of Cory Branan's "The Hell You Say." Its a great buy to anyone who appreciates delicate song writing and passionate lyrics.

I recently moved to Memphis and found this CD at the local record store. The craftwork of Cory's words are amazing. The singing was just as good. Each song takes you on a journey. One song, you are chasing a girl who ran off with a marine, the next you are skating in your home-town skating rink. Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you cry, but in the end, you always push the repeat button.