Customer Reviews

The Hurting Business

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Earlier this summer I bought Pete Yorn's new album and loved it. So much so, that I thought it would be a while before I stumbled upon something that could pull me away from it. Then, I bought this on a whim after hearing the first track. By the third listen, I was out searching for everything the guy has ever been associated with. He is a musician with a capital M and tackles half a dozen genres here - all successfully. This is the most eclectic album by a single performer I have ever heard. If you had to pigeonhole it, you might say that it is a cross between Nick Cave and Karl Wallinger (World Party), but there something here for everyone.

It is actually hard to believe that this cd is from one of the former members of Green On Red who were one of the forerunners of the Alt-country movement. There is nothing country or rural sounding about this cd. Urban sounding would be the phrase that comes to mind when discussing this cd. One thing that hasn't changed though is Prophet's uncanny songwriting ability. The lyrics take unexpected turns (Lucky is not about hitting a streak of good fortune) and the melodies get under your skin. I would also highly recommend Chuck's prior cd "Homemade Blood" if you can find it as it has been cutout. He plays a little more guitar on it but the songs are just as good as the ones on "The Hurting Business".

Chuck Prophet deserves a wider audience in the U.S. as this album, which showcases some of his best work to date, proves.

From the haunted, smoky opening track, "Rise" to the hell-bent-for-leather kick of "La Paloma," Prophet's voice is in top form, and he can really growl. The multi-layered "Shore Patrol" has a nasty, scratchy groove that gets into your head and makes you move. In short: You'll dig it.

Well, I'm a little disappointed at the drift away from the much more organic music of Balinese Dancer and Feast of Hearts, two of the best albums by anybody. The turntables/samples really don't add a lot to my ears, maybe they are a little gimmicky... I'm giving this one 4 stars though three would be more likely if I didn't know his work so well. It's an interesting album & it may make him some well deserved new fans, but I'd start with Balinese Dancer, Feast of Hearts, or even Homemade Blood first. Chuck is THE great undiscovered American songwriter!

Excellent is the word! A record full of heart and personality

I was already a fan, but the Hurting Business blew me away. Haunting melodies, weird musical phrasings, and great lyrics as always! My favorites are Lucky, I Couldn't Be Happier (shades of Screaming Jay, R.I.P.), and the deep, wistful It Won't Be Long. I hope this one gets the word out on Chuck Prophet, at long last.

Driving rhythms, biting lyrics, Prophets unpatenable unique turn of phrase. This one's a kicker, especially the slow burners like Apology. This CD should keep Chuck's following satiated, for a while at least.

I have no idea about his past bands or recordings, but this CD is dazzling. It is complex (as Dylan, another reviewer said...maybe, but more wry...like Jack Hardy, more) and amazingly versatile. It is really cool. It's got soul, it's got groove, it's a great ride. WHY ISN'T THIS GUY FAMOUS???????

It's no Homemade Blood or Brother Aldo, but certainly more radio-friendly, if that's a good thing. Great anticipation for new recording with Jules Shear.Anyone know when it will be available and the title of the project?

English readers Excuse me I have to do my review in Dutch to express myself better. Deze 5e cd van Chuck Prophet is als het luisteren naar een film. Veel van zijn countryrock-verleden heeft hij erop meegenomen, maar ook heeft hij a.h.w. de geschiedenis van de popmuziek verwerkt middels doowadiddies en andere muzikale effecten. Verder ook r&b en invloeden van deze tijd. De intro's zijn geweldig, de teksten weer geniaal met de nodige humor. Onovertroffen blijft zijn nasale stem in combinatie met de prachtige stem van Stephanie (Waarom horen we haar zo weinig zingen op dit album?) En vooral dat veelzijdige gitaarspel maakt deze cd TOP. Op naar de eerste live-cd..