Customer Reviews

Parade of Small Horses

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sometimes compared variously to Neil Young, Tom Waits and especially Nick Cave, C (which stands for Christian) was raised on the west coast of America but later spent time in London before returning to America, this time to New York. Christian has apparently recorded three previous records as a member of the Morning Glories and three solo albums (Review, 29 over me, The Pinkermen set). I'm not familiar with any of them but whatever experience he gained, he seems to have put to good use on this album that is hard to classify although it goes under the general headings of alt-country, Americana and roots rock.

The musicians are Gerald Menke (steel), Dan Menke (drums), Lance Kruger (bass) and Quentin Jennings (Wurlitzer, organ, piano, keys). Christian wrote all the songs, provides all the vocals and plays guitars, piano and harmonica.

Several of the songs are dark and brooding (hence the comparison with Nick Cave) but the overall feel of the album is not quite as stark as Nick's music. Maybe it's because of the music, which is at times uplifting, but I don't feel the same need to find a cheerful CD to follow this as I do after listening to Nick Cave, whose capacity for wallowing in misery is unrivalled in my experience.

Picking out favorite tracks on such a great album is not easy, even after several spins, but I'll nominate Honeywell, Devil's water, Sorry Sade, All state union song and Lonely on a Saturday night. But I won't be surprised if you, having listened to this, have a completely different set of favorites.

If you can imagine music that is a cross between Neil Young and Nick Cave with a dash of country added into the mix, you've got a fair idea of what to expect of this album. And if that idea appeals to you, give C Gibbs a chance.

C. Gibbs has always been an intense performer, but in the last year or so he and he and his band have become a blistering ensemble with a show that can not be missed (an overheard quote from the guitar play of an opening act at a recent show: "If I could play guitar like that, I'd never bother talking"). The new record captures this intensity and should also not be missed. A rare combination of punk intensity, southern gothic sense and a country sensibility. If he's playing in your town, see the show and buy the record. If he's not playing in your town, just buy the record.

Comparable to Neil Young's Havest, this album combines haunting lyrics with stellar songwriting. It stayed in my stereo for weeks, the songs just seem to expand in depth and meaning with each play. I haven't come across an artist like Gibbs in a long time, where music and poetry are balanced in equal measure to make a listening experience you want to tell your friends about. Not to be missed.

I'm not even sure of how to categorize this cd. I'm sure it's the finest and most original I've heard all year. Devil's Water stayed with after the first listen, the entire album after the second. I'm so impressed I'm writing my first review.

Dark, edgy country that is also very melodic. A great CD. Ferdinand, Tenhorse, and All State Union Song are standouts. I've been playing this over and over again and I find something new in it every time. Smart and complex.

From the soft instrumental Tiny Bridges to the dark, western sounding Ferdinand, Parade of Small Horses is nothing but pleasing. This disc immediately gives off a great NON-mainstream Country/Americana vibe that quickly draws listeners in. C. Gibbs is able to achieve continuity in this disc, while still being able to make each song sound distinctly different and refreshing. Overall, this is just a wonderful disc featuring a group of great musicians led by C. Gibbs' enjoyable, interesting vocals. Be sure to check out the title track, Tiny Bridges, and my personal favorite, Devil's Water.

This is a very consistent record. Gibbs is a fantastic songwriter who evokes a sort of southern gothic imagery into melodies that won't leave your head. At times he reminds me of Nick Cave, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and some crazy carnival barker.