Customer Reviews

Imagination Stage

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After a long absence from the industry, Eric Matthews returned with and ep in 2005 and a full length cd, "Foundation Sounds" in 2006. The later employed a different approach, he was playing all the instruments himself, and the arrangements were perhaps less complex, than his 2 Sub Pop cds from the 90s.

He has stated that he envisions a progression in his work, that each release will be leading to his ultimate goal, that being a music that is less rock or pop and more of a new classical form. An ambitious program to be sure, in a world of commercial expectations, American Idol and nano-second attention spans. Eric seems content to navigate the contemporary scene by sticking to his vision, and "The Imagination Stage" is a triumph in conception, and a delight for his long-time fans.

The songs on this cd are distinct and fully-formed, with that familiar contrast between the personal commentary of his lyrics and the accessible harmonies and arrangements he cloaks them within. Often this is material that veers toward the morose or elegiac in mood, contemplative and questioning yet not pretentious. The instrumental element is always wonderfully constructed, his influences and training come to the fore; an almost mathematic elegance is evident in the melodies as they replicate classical forms, yet this is clearly pop music, and hook laden at that.

Standout tracks for me are "Well Known Liar","Radio Boy", "Genius", the title track and "We Were Human." While still playing the instruments himself, we have the string arrangements back, that are so welcome in creating the depth of sound sometimes missing from his previous cd. His playing too seems more confident, no longer occasionally tentative. He has taken another step forward and promises to continue his solitary journey to musical perfection, an impossible goal perhaps, but a worthy one.

This is Eric's best since "It's Heavy in Here". A must have for XTC, Nick Drake, Beach Boys, and Elliot Smith fans.