Customer Reviews

Not Far Now

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

 

 

I'm fairly new to the music of Richard Shindell; the only other albums I have are 'South of Delia' and 'Sparrows Point' - both of which I like very much, but for somewhat different reasons (in my book, both are '5 star' albums). I liked the sensitive lyrics and subtle melodies on 'Sparrows Point', so I bought 'Not Far Now' hoping for more of the same and, for the most part, it doesn't disappoint - but 'not everything in the garden is rosy'.

RS delivers some songs with a noticable edge to his vocals, whereas on others, he softens his tone to caress the lyrics; additionally, he uses a 'no frills' approach on 'State of the Union', and on 'Parasol Ants' and 'Get Up Clara', he introduces a touch of wry humour. Whilst he is in fairly good voice on most songs, I think his vocals are less consistent than those on either 'South of Delia' or 'Sparrows Point'. With a few of the songs, it seems to take a minute or so before RS really gets into his stride - but this may have something to do with the structure of those songs. RS plays a multitude of stringed instruments and his captivating bouzouki playing can be heard on many tracks. His supporting musicians/vocalists include 'old friends' Sara Milanovich (violin/viola and harmonies), Lucy Kaplansky (harmonies), Ben Wittman (percussion) and Viktor Krauss (acoustic bass); other featured instruments include electric guitar, pedal steel and keyboards. All involved combine their not inconsiderable talents to produce a classy accompaniment of layered sounds with a rich texture - something that the album shares with 'South of Delia'; compared to the lighter semi-acoustic sound of 'Sparrows Point', 'Not Far Now' might sound more 'produced', but it isn't over-produced by any means.

The songs on 'Not Far Now' have a lot of diversity - in terms of their tempos, rhythms, themes and moods; my favourites were : 'Parasol Ants', 'A Juggler Out In Traffic', 'Gethsemani Goodbye', 'Bye Bye', 'State of the Union', and 'Balloon Man'. Of the remaining songs, a couple didn't do a lot for me : I'm sure many listeners will enjoy 'Get Up Clara', it has something of a quirky charm about it - but it is not for me; 'Mariana's Table' has some fine lyrics, but I found it to be a rather dreary song, and I also think that the vocals are unremarkable.

There are several songs on 'Not Far Now' that I will be listening to years from now, and there are two that I will skip. Richard Shindell is an artist who produces the kind of music that I enjoy and, despite my having a few reservations about this album, I will still investigate some of his others - I think 'Sparrows Point' is an outstanding album and, if it is typical of his early work, then maybe 'Reunion Hill' and 'Blue Divide' should be on my shortlist.

Some folk CDs can be a hard listen depending on the overall mood the artist creates. "Not Far Now" is like life, it's not all happy or sad, it's a mix. In 11 songs and about 44 minutes, we see street performers, mountains, a pastoral scene out on Highway 215 where a woman keeps a sales table for passing truckers.

Shindell's got a pleasant, expressive voice and lovely Lucy Kaplansky singing backups. The instrumentation is spare, but adds just the right touch like sunbeans on a polished hardwood floor.

Give this a listen. You're not far from a very pleasant experience.

Rebecca Kyle, June 2009

This CD grows on you tremendously. I love it. It plays constantly on my car iPod. I have been a fan of Richard for several years and have been fortunate enough to have seen him in concert. I always try and attend his concerts when they come to my area as he is a solid folk artist and his guitar playing is second to none. Terrific songwriter. His CDs have just the right touch, not overproduced, and I love this one because much of it is just him and guitar with modest background instrumentation.
Favorite cuts are Gethesemane Goodbye, One Man's Arkansas, Parasol Ants, and Balloon Man. Also love his rendition of Dave Carter's The Mountain. This version is surpurb and almost surpasses the original. If you love good folk music, give this a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Ok, I'm a fan. I have liked every one of Richard Shindell's albums. I don't have any criticisms of this album--it's listenable, it has variety, it is interesting. It's not overdone; it doesn't try to be something it's not; it's simply great listening. Richard Shindell incorporates the various aspects of his life into his music, and it is like getting to know him. I highly recommend this album.

Not Far Now is Shindell's 8th CD, his first of original music in six years and is yet another example of his masterful songwriting. With an acoustic/folk canvas, Shindell's songs are meticulously crafted portraits of fringe characters - the downtrodden, addicts, criminals, the forgotten. Characters are depicted with a reflective, worldly view, with compassion, empathy, and thankfully Shindell's wit and wry humor blanket many of his tales. Shindell's catalogue is rich, and each album stands well on its own - Not Far Now is one of my favorites. GENRES: Contemporary Folk, Folk Rock.

BUY IF YOU LIKE: John Gorka, John Prine, Martin Sexton, Freedy Johnston.
MUST HEAR TRACKS: "Balloon Man," "Parasol Ants," "Bye Bye," "The Mountain."

Haunting voice and moving lyrics, even if not his own. I also like that Lucy is always on at least one of his songs, and he on her albums. Nice gesture. He's even better live!

I have all of his work, and will continue to pick up his albums, unheard. That being said, this is not his best effort. Usually with most of Shindell's albums there will be several songs that stick in my head after a few listenings (in a good way) but I really can recall much of this album after putting it away. Nothing terrible, but not too much to grab you either.

RS is undeniably a great artist, but this work is not his best. He needs to lighten up and stop taking himself so seriously... his lyrics are often over-developed, attempting to deliver heavier messages then required or desired.