Customer Reviews

Scattered

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

 

 

and that's saying something.

Martin Zellar is one of the most underappreciated and talented singer/songwriters around. It is a shame that everyone hasn't had the opportunity to hear his work, first with the Gear Daddies, but especially with the Hardways.

The album flows wonderfully together as a whole, each song highlighting the band's musical abilities and Zellar's affecting vocals and lyrics. From the first song, "Here's to Everyone," to the disc's standout tune, "What it is I Feel," a moving and heartbreakingly honest portrayal of one man's inner turmoil, to the album's closing track, "Always Be Friends," this is one CD you won't tire of quickly -- and it gets better each time you hear it.

If you are already a fan of Zellar's, you will love "Scattered," and if not, you will be after hearing this album.

"Scattered" is by far the most fully realized and mature work this band has released and I can't wait to see what comes next!

Martin Zellar is slowly but surely building a catalog of material worthy of Bruce Springsteen, John Hiatt, Paul Kelly and other outstanding singer-songwriters who can distill elements of the human experience into elegant 3 minute songs. It's been 4 years since Zellar's last studio album, but it was definitely worth the wait, as this disc represents his strongest album since his grossly under-rated debut solo CD, "Born Under". The first 5 songs on "Scattered" may represent the best collection of songs that Zellar has recorded to date. Zellar continues to tackle issues of the heart and home, and like Springsteen and Hiatt, approaches them from the perspective of a mature adult (rather refreshing in this day and age). And the many years of playing in bars in the upper Midwest has paid off for the Hardways in spades - you can hear the cohesion and precision in the music generated by this crack 4 piece band. The music itself veers away slightly from the country-tinged sound of Zellar's previous CD's and exhibits a more modern, more rock-oriented style. And some noodling in the studio pays off big time in tunes such as the mesmerizing "Summer Song". Definitely one of the best albums of this or any other year.

"Scattered" is a masterpiece! It has a good blend of uplifting songs such as "Here's to Everyone" to sad songs like "What It Is I Feel." This album is similar in its style to Born Under. Martin Zellar has definitely matured in his musical style from his Gear Daddies days. The lyrics express emotions that are real, however painful they may be. "What It Is I Feel" has got to be the most heartfelt song of a man dealing with his feelings I have ever heard. The influence of the likes of Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen are clearly apparent in this album.

For those that have been a fan of Martin Zellar's before the Gear Daddies break-up and beyond, this album will not disappoint. It is also a great starting point for newbies.

Zellar does not stray far from what has worked in the past, yet many of the tracks are refreshing. I have spent a-many long Minnesotan summer nights by the campfire with MZ & GD albums playing in the background.

This is just another chapter in a near-legendary career. File with artists such as Wilco, Jayhawks, Peacemakers, Pistoleros, Golden Smog...

It's wonderful to hear such great things about Martin from all of you, I say this coming from someone who knows the story behind the songs. Martin Zellar is my uncle, and he lives up to all his praise. He is truly a remarkable man, that i look up to so much. I have a passion of music like him, and he makes me want to become a singer. His songs are truly amazing. I am so proud of him!

This is some awesome music, truely from the heart. I am suprised I don't hear more of it on the radio.