Customer Reviews

Metaneonatureboy

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

 

 

While not as strong as Confidence Man as a whole, Metaneonatureboy has some of Yerkeys best work. "Alice Macallister" is perfect in every way.
And you get a 1,2,3 punch with "My Baby Loves The Western Violence", "Mood Swing Era" and "Link Wray's Girlfriend." The closer is simply stunning. I'd love to hear Roger Daltrey do a version of "Stinson Beach Road." A few of the other songs on this Cd ("Songs Put Things" & "Cadillacs Of That Color") can be found on his previous acoustic release "Up From Mo's." Both, (in my opinion) sound better on that release but the new vesions here are nothing to ignor.
Yerkey is no doubt an overlooked talent. Do an ebay search for his first (LP only) release w/ the band Nonfiction. Confidence Man can be found here or on ebay and for me is a desert island disc. You'll have to do a google search to track down Up From Mo's. It's a great CD for late night or when your alone in your car late at night.

I had the honor of seeing Stephen Yerkey live in Berkeley in 1994. I was in a band that opened for him. He is a monster talent, and this album shines. I lent mine out so many times, that I decided to buy yet another copy. It is unusual to find such well crafted song writing, and musicianship that is not over produced, or sterile sounding. He is truly a unique talent. I am one tough costumer!! I am very picky, and listen to this album now with as much awe and inspiration as I did in 1994. It is timeless, and classic.

Well now, in contrast to the previous review, I think "Metaneonatureboy" is every bit the quality his previous effort of "Confidence Man," was/is and more! Not to detract anything from the previous review, or Yerkey's prior work, I personally just think this piece of work is some of the best song writing,lyrically as well as musically for this genre, I have been introduced to for a very long time... and shows a natural maturity that only life through Stephen's eyes can offer. Yerkey's songs are about everything that you subconsciously experience during the day, from the moment that glimmer a light creeps into your pupil in the morning until you close that one good eye at the end of the day and well into your dreams. If you... REALLY listen to the lyrics, and tell me that this is, just your run of the mill song writer, then you need to experience life a little closer to the altitude at which life takes place for the rest of us, but were somewhat reluctant to admit. I have always thought that the first time listening to a CD, and you find yourself with a sense of delusional intrigue that compels another immediate listen, is one that will become a great traveling companion. "Metaneonatureboy" is just that recording and a direct extension of, a life in progress. Opening with, "Songs Put Things" where into a perspective you most likely didn't take time to appreciate at this "macroscopic slap in the face" that's where. Take a ride with Stephen in a,"Cadillac of That Color" for an introspective journey into the social realities of inner city bay area bliss! Think you have ever been in love, try to "Fall out of Love" through Steve's eyes for a melodically undulating reason to stay single for a while. With his admission that he would rather witness his adversary succomb to a tragic hydraulic lift accident than fall out of love with you! You remember Link Wray, don't you, No..... well let Stephen introduce you. Now,"Stinson Beach Road" that's a path less traveled, but speaks volumes of darkness that you know you have experienced, but you just can't quite place when, where.... or why. Each (and every) song is a journey to be remembered even if they are only through Stephens visionary headlights, so as not to warrant the purchase of the T-Shirt, having been there. Do yourself a favor and take a cross country excursion with Mr. Yerkey, for a REAL vacation.
Oh Hell! Honey...is that the alarm already?!?!?

An alt-country Tom Waits? Something like that.
This album has just gotten so much better over time. A really incredible lyricist, I now hear how excellent the production on these tracks is. Just absoltely love some of these songs ( Alice McAllister is one of the tops). Highly recommend it.