Customer Reviews

Like Setting Myself on Fire

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"Like Setting Myself On Fire" by Sharpeworldmusic is one of the most interesting CDs I've come across this year. Sharpeworldmusic is essentially Tom Sharpe playing a multitude of instruments: piano, drum set, synth, and all sorts of percussion from the smallest to the largest. This debut CD is also composed and produced by Sharpe.

From a compositional standpoint, the "LSMOF" merges tribal/world elements with an almost New Age element, although that comparison really isn't fair because the blend is high-energy, stormy and dark at times while peaceful and introspective at others. And, throughout the entire disc, special attention is paid to thematic melodic elements that are intelligently foreshadowed and referenced on multiple occasions. The resulting sonic tapestry is nothing short of a modern symphony with a highly cinematic feel. The merging of styles is one of the greatest strengths of this disc and Sharpe's artistry is unique in that he is able to transcend the usual boundaries of the genres mentioned.

For example, the energetic motion of the piano lines in "Heritage" and "Generations" is pinned down by a clever percussion arrangement that almost hints of electronica. Another example: the main theme of "Bring Me Back Her Heart" could easily have been a hook in a rock song, and here it provides a foundation for an excellent drum solo.

Sharpe's technical skills are nothing short of amazing. He is easily in the same league as well-known drummers like Dave Weckl or Neil Peart, but the difference here is that Sharpe's album is heavily focused on composition whereas the works of Weckl and others are generally more chops-oriented.

It is rare to find a debut project of this depth and vision. "Like Setting Myself On Fire" is a bold musical statement.

This is an intellectually satisfying, emotionally exciting, and often moving, CD. The title track, in particular, just gets better and better every time I listen to it. It's a tsunami of a song, a wave that builds when you think it can't build any more, and when it crests it's orgasmic.

As a drummer/percussionist, I particularly appreciate those elements in his composition and arranging. I think percussion can be orchestrated as richly as strings or brass, but I rarely hear it done. You will certainly hear it done on this album. I love to drive with this on.

But this is not just a drumfest: Tom Sharpe can apparently be any member of an orchestra he wishes to be. Soaring voices ornament the enormous emotions generated by his rhythmic foundation, and then he can turn on a dime and demonstrate piano virtuosity in a number of moods. "From This Dream Forward" made me think I had accidentally shifted to a disk of Beethoven Sonatas (Pathetique, for you Ludwig Van fans). Sharpe displays a lot of Beethoven's kind of stormy brilliance, lots of power tinged with delecate melodies.

My only complaint: I get worn out, emotionally. I long for a light bit of whimsy and frivolity. Like with Beethoven, come to think of it. But that's a pretty minor omission in a work as grand and uplifting as this CD. From the moment you hear the first, thunderous drum, it's like setting yourself on fire.