Customer Reviews

Runt

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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But definitely NOT the runt of the litter. Altergott's calm vocal stylings come to life on this eclectic foray that displays his incredibly talented skills as a singer/songwriter.

Having heard samples from the album, I decided that it was a worthwhile purchase. It had been a while since I found an album that I truly liked from the moment it started until the very last second. In fact, I don't think I've come across an album that can make me laugh one moment and then have me in deep contemplation the next. It's rare that I ever come across an album that I'll listen to through and through time and time again but this is definitely one of those albums. His witty lyrics and catchy tunes make it a purchase that one will never regret. There's a song on here for everyone.

having read a brief first impression of this album from a friend's blog, I decided to check it out. Well, could not listen to the samples due to computer problems so ended up buying it unheard.

After it arrived, I played it once, and then again while having dinner and really enjoyed it.

The lyrics are poignant, insightful and fun and the whole disc has that upbeat feel to it. Jeff's vocals are a joy to listen to as well.

Damn Love is one that keeps entering my mind at times and I love how the overall sound is part accoustic, part electrical in a folk rock kind of way, not unlike some of the folk rock of the mid to late 60's in some aspects.

Anyhow, a fun and enjoyable disc and will give it the on the road test in the car very soon.

This music is artfully performed, with interesting lyrics, woven through energetically performed harmonies. The musicianship is amazing, blending perfectly with the vocals to set the mood of each song. Many of the songs are energetic, and all of them are poignant. The only weak points of this album are a few places where the vocals are strained. This is one of the best CD's I've purchased recently.

Jeff's lyrics and songrwiting skills are flat-out excellent. With so much "fluff" being presented to us in poplular music, it is so refreshing to hear a musician using his own voice rather than a homogenized voice for the masses. Jeff's passion and skill is plainly evident in each of his songs, and I'm sure that he will be going far in his career.

Released August 10th, Runt is Ohio Singer/Songwriter Jeffrey Altergott's third album. Produced and engineered by Altergott and Lou Carlozo, Runt is a collection of ambition, playful rock tunes that showcases Altergott's lyrical style and wide array of musical talents.

Unlike the out of can pop format many artists use these days, Altergott sprinkles many different music styles on this cd. Altergott's previous efforts were "hobby" albums while he kept a day job and made music a hobby, Runt is his first effort since making the leap into full time music.

"I'm back, I'm happy and after 15 years of having one foot in the world of music and the other in corporate America, I've chewed off my corporate leg and am giving the craft the attention it's been craving all these years. If I'm going to make a splash as a songwriter and performer, let it be now." said Altergott. The proof is in a remarkably listenable pop/folk/rock album.

I'm one of those types of people that listens to albums and puts them on the 'favorite' list because of beautiful lyric writing. The album starts off with John Mayer-esque title track and doesn't disappoint throughout. Altergott says the 'spirit of the album' lies in the track "Coming Home". In Coming Home, Altergott speaks about inclusion and a reassuring thought of home as a place where you are never alone. Mixed into the deeper thoughts on this album are playful fun songs like the track "Kiss Me." You can almost hear him smiling all the way through the track - chanting kissmekissme - validate me - complicate me. There are several tracks on this CD that show Altergott's playful side and that he's ready to take this fun material on the road.

As independent albums go, Runt is a cut above in production value, wide appeal and there are som tracks here folk stations and rock stations will surely pick up. The only limitation, and it's very minor, is that in some places the rich orchestrations and accompaniment overpower Altergott's voice - but this jewel wouldn't be complete without a few rough edges.

For those of you in the midwest - you have the opportunity to hear Runt performed live on the fall tour Altergott has planned.

Sept 11th - Columbus, OH
Sept 18th - Columbus, OH
Oct 9th - Indianapolis, IN
Nov 6th - Chicago, IL
Nov 19th - Canton, OH
Nov 20th - Cleveland, OH
Dec 3rd - Columbus, OH
Dec 18th - Ann Arbor, MI

I'd recommend adding Runt to your collection of gay artists - if only to dance around your apartment or home to "Kiss Me" every once in a while. And who couldn't use a little of that in their lives? You'll be glad you did!

A quick disclaimer--I'm the fellow who helped Jeff produce this record. Then again, I produce lots of records, and this is the first time I've ever done something like this, writing up a testimonial on Amazon to tell the world how much fun this record was to make--and still is to listen to.

I urge those of you who love to take a chance on new singer-songwriters to give Jeff Altergott your ears. In return, he'll give you his heart and a swift kick in the pants. "Runt" is a record marked by eclectic textures that rock ("Coming Home"), funk out ("Kiss Me," with its lovely lounge lizard horns) and even ooze strangeness ("Long Distance Monkey," a song featuring banjos, melodica and a lyric about an Internet romancer with a primate fetish). Jeff is an artist who consistently challenges you, as has delivered here an album that doesn't sport a weak track anywhere in the bunch.

Trust me on this: When you hear songs in the studio a zillion times, the first thing you want to do when a project is done is banish them from your life. Not so "Runt." It's on my disc changer, running through my mind and making me smile time and time again. Thanks Jeff for the gift of your artistry--and this disc.

Altergott's RUNT is eclectic collection of emotions, thoughts, funny tales and great music. Whether detailing the foibles of Internet romance, or pondering the great divine in all of us, Jeff puts out songs that beg to be listened to more than once. "Coming Home" made me call a friend in tears to tell him how much he had been missed. The sassy horns off "Kiss Me" have been playing in my head for days. Everyone I've played this for loves this album. It's great knowing that Altergott career is just getting started, and I can't wait for the next one.