Resurrection

Brian Vander Ark (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 9, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Brash Music
• ASIN: B0001EFUQ4
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,024 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. 1229 Sheffield

2. A Million Things

3. And Then You Went Away

4. Resurrection

5. Written and Erased

6. Mileage

7. When I'm Gone

8. Someone Like You

9. Second Hand

10. Hollywood Ending

11. To the Front Row Junkies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Resurrection of Brian Vander Ark, April 22, 2004

By 

adam butler (bowling green, ky United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Resurrection (Audio CD)

As the frontman for the Michigan based band, The Verve Pipe, Brian Vander Ark established himself as one of popular music's most creative and intelligent storytellers. With "Resurrection," his solo acoustic debut, Vander Ark has delivered a collection of contemplative ballads and fast-paced rockers that undeniably catapult him to the top of the singer-songwriter genre. Dealing with themes of failed relationships, broken dreams, and the clouds that inevitably lie behind fame's silver lining, Vander Ark takes the listener on an autobiographical journey rife with honest lyrics and vivid imagery. One does not merely catch a glimpse of Vander Ark's world; rather, he paints pictures that enable you to see the world through his eyes.
In "1229 Sheffield" Vander Ark laments the disappointments and eventual failure of a first marriage--a marriage that by its nature had already taken away the freedoms of young adult life. Vander Ark continues this theme with "And Then You Went Away," which takes you inside the desolate home and heart of a man abandoned by a departed love. "A Million Things" and the albums title track find a more upbeat Vander Ark willing to compromise and search for the elixir to resucitate the passions that make love possible.
Vander Ark delves into the fleeting fame that comes with being a one-hit wonder in the albums strongest single "Written and Erased." When he poses the cautionary question,"Do you want to be famous, want to get a taste, do you want to be written and erased?" it's pretty clear that mainstream success and MTV airplay might not be all it's cracked up to be.
Finally, Vander Ark pays homage to his loyal legions of fans in "To the Front Row Junkies" which closes the album and reveals that his love of music and the happiness it gives people make all the pitfalls worth it. Indeed, Vander Ark has encountered many potholes on his journey, but he steadfastly refuses to get off the road. Buy this album, share it with a friend, see Brian perform live when his neverending tour hits your town--and you will see that this is not the work of a one-hit wonder.
-Adam Butler-

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Strong singer-songwriter solo disc from Verve Pipe guy, March 9, 2004

By 

William Merrill "eclecticist" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Resurrection (Audio CD)

When the leader of a rock band goes solo, it can be expected that he or she will make music which sounds something like their old band. At the same time, they've accumulated a drawerful of ideas that never quite fit into their old group's approach. So we come to Resurrection, the solo debut by Brian Vander Ark, former leader of the Verve Pipe. It's a heady mixture of rockers and more acoustic numbers, an affirmation of Brian's skill as a writer of crafty and catchy tunes. There are songs that will strongly remind the listener of VP (like the title cut), and others which reveal a more personal and intimate style than in the past. The new songs are good ones -- I have found myself humming these tunes days after listening to them.

Singing in a manner slightly reminiscent of Peter Gabriel (especially on "And Then You Went Away"), Mr. Vander Ark gets excellent accompaniment from a supporting band that includes his brother Brad, John Holbrook, Craig Nelson, Scott Stefanski and others. The production and song arrangements are top-notch as well. Most of all, though, Resurrection shines the spotlight on a remarkable songwriting talent, one I'll be continuing to watch in the future.

In an unrelated note, I can't resist sharing this silly thought. What if Verve Records formed a group headed by Brian Vander Ark and Richard Ashcroft (from the Verve)?? It could be called "Post-Verve" or something like that.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Singer-Songwriter, February 5, 2009

By 

Craig Bratvold "cabby" (Devils Lake, ND United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Resurrection (Audio CD)

An exceptional talent, very down to earth and honest. The world needs more musicians like Brian Vander Ark.