Customer Reviews

Love Is Red

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

 

 

I haven't listened to Poe's previous record "the late album" for a while, but remember it evoking what its title suggests....an album meant to be listened to in the late hours. That album always made me think of a sexy, dimly lit, late night lounge with a jazzy band playing in the shadows, where most people were too absorbed in their own paramours to pay much attention to the music. The opening track of "Love is red" starts where "the late album" left off, with that same, smoky, moody feel. But then, something totally different happens. As the record progresses, Poe gets into a wicked, mildly psychedelic groove that recalls nothing so much as Nirvana's final live show "MTV unplugged in New York" which was recorded just weeks before Cobain's untimely demise. That show was a departure for Nirvana, in that they deconstructed their own songs, turning them into intense, more quiet psychedelic songs instead of the loud, feedback riddled electric feel of the originals. On "love is red", Poe's voice sounds eerily similar to Cobain's on several of the tracks. "The late album" was great for certain moods. "Love is red", on the other hand, is an album you can groove on anytime, and on balance, is a much better record than its predecessor (unless, of course, lounge jazz is your thing). One can only hope this new direction is a sign of things to come from Poe.

That description may be a tad dramatic, but it's a good summary of this guy Poe's music. Lyrically he comes from the wry sardonic tradition of Richard Thompson and Warren Zevon, but musically the sound also draws from David Sylvian and Morphine with touches of Nick Drake (a blend that's perfectly suited to his velvety voice). Wrap all those influences into a smoky/mellow acoustic brew that remains intelligent and avoids sounding derivative, serve chilled with a tasteful cham-PAN-ya, and you've got Love Is Red. This disc is missing the fun & laughs of a live DP show, but otherwise it's got the same warm intimate feeling down pat.. and it's his finest album yet.

It does leave one wishing for more - a couple songs are repeated from past albums and the whole still doesn't pass 35 minutes - but it's all solid from start to finish. The tunes sit somewhere between smooth jazz (I mean 'smooth' a-la Miles, not the laughable Kenny Gs that have given the term a bad name) and soft pop, with other subtle touches such as the Spanish-tinged title track. The production is perfectly understated; some backing bass and drums is really all that's needed. The lyrics are subtly witty and the whole experience is an alluring treat for folks of almost all musical tastes. It's a beautiful disc you can play around your spouse, your friends or your parents. Here's hoping his next album (which he says will be "a record about God and porn") doesn't take another four years to see the light of day.. or more likely the dim-lit glow of night.

In an age of downloading just the "good" song or two off a CD, David Poe's LOVE IS RED is the delightful exception. Pour yourself a glass of rare red wine, sit back and you'll never have to hit the 'skip' button once. There's not a bad song in the bunch. Granted, you have to be in a mellow mood - it's not "party" music...unless it's a relaxed dinner party with your favorite friends.

First single "So Beautiful" and title song "Love is Red" are personal favorites, but "Wilderness" begins to haunt you after a few listens too. "You're the Bomb" is just brilliant in it's metaphors and ability to recreate the feel of an old "standard". Tony Bennett eat your heart out!

If you have been lucky enough to see David Poe live, you know how incredibly seductive his voice can be. You will be amazed how well that quality comes through on this CD. If you haven't seen Poe live yet, you don't know what you're missing! Go to www.davidpoe.com find out where he's playing and GO! Until then get this CD and enjoy it again and again.

I've been lucky to see David Poe perform solo and with his band, at various venues in Philly and at the fabulous Living Room in NYC. This third record captures the spark of his live performances, where his obvious glee for having his co-conspirators on stage transforms him from singer-songwriter into rock star.

Playing with longtime collaborators Sim Cain and John Abbey provides Poe a richer sound than when he's solo. The veterans know when to rock out and when to support Poe's gift-from-God voice and acoustic guitar. They are a stitch in between songs as well.

I'm eagerly awaiting his fourth effort. He's a joy to listen to.

I was lucky that a very special friend introduced me to this very special music 2 years ago.
We were listening to David's music during all of our holidays which we spent on the east coast.

Whenever I listen to the songs vivid memories of sunny days at the beach, amusing evenings in bars, funny car rides and spiritual kinship are flashing my mind.

I can promise that I would have missed something very important in my life if I had never heard Poe's music.

Buy this record.

I first listened to this CD one early morning/late night in my bed on my personal player. I was immediately transported to some small smoky intimate cafe from the first three songs. As time went on, I saw many images and was blown away by David Poe's voice...I don't know why his music gave me the same emotions as when I listened to Jeff Buckley's "Grace." Their music definitely different but they both have some intensity, however Jeff more strongly than David. Buy this album and be blown away (the lyrics to Love is Red is biographic for me)and be wrapped up in delightful strong imagery.

I was introduced to David Poe via a in-studio webcast on KCRW and was captivated enough to purchase Love is Red. Last night I was lucky enough to find used copies of "David Poe" and "The Late Album" and immediately bought them. Imagine my surprise when upon listening to them I find that four songs from Love is Red are taken from Poe's first two albums (Moon, Settlement, You're the Bomb, Love Won't Last the Afternoon). I think these are fantastic songs, but is it fair to fans to promote this as new music? Taking those songs away would have left a very nice, but much shorter, recording. I guess perhaps the way to look at it is that I am being reminded of some very expertly crafted songs that I really enjoy.