Customer Reviews

Revival

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

 

 

Daniel Cartier is an unflinchingly original (and, as he likes to joke in his shows, "wicked-gay") singer-songwriter whose intimate, personal songs often cut straight to the heart of the matter. With a voice that at times sounds as if he trained under the vocal tutelage of Alison Moyet, Cartier's expressive, emotive vocals wrap themselves around his complex, insightful lyrics and impressive melodies, drawing the listener in to his aurally exciting world. In a recent concert at Los Angeles' Cavern Club Theatre, Cartier joked that attending his shows is like "hanging out in my kitchen while I sing a couple ditties." His albums are a bit more grand-scale, with impeccable production values and musically expansive arrangements that showcase his infectiously hummable pop-folk tunes. Once signed to Elton John's Rocket Records, the indie artist (who got his start performing on the subway platforms of New York City) was out of a deal when the PolyGram-owned label was taken over in a corporate merger. Unstoppable, Cartier learned how to engineer and produce his own albums. His latest, REVIVAL, is an excellent vehicle for his singular style. Highlights include the album's powerful opening track, "Lay It On," the upbeat and wistful "Beautiful," the slightly disco-fied "Everybody Wants to Be Loved by Somebody," the lovely "Under the Willow Tree," the fun and funky "Supafly," the hopeful "Life Could Be," and the somber "What's It Gonna Be?," a track written to honor the memory of Matthew Shepard. Like a gay David Gray, Cartier sings from the heart, investing himself so fully into his music that it might take a moment or two to adjust to the intensity of his vocal performances. But any time spent giving this vibrant young artist a chance is time surely well spent, as the deeply heartfelt music of such an exceptionally gifted young'un is nothing if not chicken soup for the cynic's soul.

How much did I like this album?
So much I contacted the artist and spent weekends filming my first music video of "Reviving", the title track.

I think it speaks of Daniel's sincerity as an artist, that he agreed to do the "Reviving" video when others felt more commercially viable tunes should be used - as the director, I disagreed.

"Reiviving" the video played in film festivals this year (2005) and now is on MTV's Logo as a One-off video after movies etc.
We did this video with no budget- but again, Daniel is more than a singer and songwriter- he is a riveting performance artist- which is why, in my opinion, this video approaches video art in the truest sense of all that it entails.

If you yearn for a fresh take on folk-rock blended with pop and electronica- buy this record.
You will not be disappointed.
[...]

I just picked this dics up after having lost my original one, and boy can I tell you how glad I am I got it. I forgot how excellent this CD truly is!

All of the tracks on this CD are solid, excellent pieces. Three of them, however, stand out as monumental -- "Locked Away" is easily one of the most rockin' pieces you'll ever hear. Ever! And "What's It Gonna Be?" and "All the Times I've Seen You Go By" are two of the most beautiful ballads Daniel -- or anyone, for that matter -- have ever written or performed.

I love this CD.

Unfortunately, I agree with the reviewer below to some degree. Just listen to the samples for this CD and compare to the ones on his earlier release, "Wide Outside," and you will find what's missing on "Revival"'s overproduced snarkiness.

"Wide Outside" is a collection of home studio recordings, demos and live performances that put you right inside the singer's heart; quite touching. It's where you should start with Cartier.

Listen carefully and you will hear moments of vocal talent, but too often Cartier goes off key and struggles with notes. I had a hard time hearing a consistent genuine connection between the artist and his lyrics. Have known this guy for a long time, and believe in his talent, but believe his very early cassette releases showed a more sincere, less fussy artist of true quality. A couple of the songs on this disc appeared in different versions on those early cassettes; get your hands on a copy if you can and take a listen to "Fall on Me" as it was originally recorded--stark, heartfelt, compelling. Too bad the bad habits Cartier picked up while trying to get a deal with a major label years ago seem to have stuck with him.

After all these years of waiting..to finally have a new Daniel Cartier CD (my copy of Avenue A was getting worn out!)...
and to have the new disc be THIS WONDERFUL...THANK YOU DANIEL!!!

FROM THE SOULFUL PLEA FORE A FRIEND TO STAY IN TOUCH ON THE SONG REVIVING TO THE BASIC LONGING OF ONE TO BE LOVED IN EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE LOVED BY SOMEBODY, DANIEL CARTIER HAS GIVEN YOU A HONEST INSIGHT INTO THE HOPES,JOYS,AND PAIN OF AN INDIVIDUAL.YOU'LL FIND HIS ABILITY TO TELL A STORY A BIT LIKE BOB DILLON AND A VOICE THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD WHEN SO MANNY SOUND THE SAME,YOU'LL FIND A LITTLE BIT OF ALL STYLES ON THIS CD,AND YOU WILL BE ABLE FIND A BIT OF YOU'RE LIFE TOLD IN A FEW OF THE MELODIES THIS CD HAS TO OFFER.

Cartier attracted everyone's attention with his Subway Sessions, and with each album his voice and skills have gotten richer and stronger. This is soulfull pop at its best.