Customer Reviews

Soap and Water

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Chuck Prophet's had a pretty big year. He produced and performed on Kelly Willis's excellent Translated From Love, and he pulled together this collection of gems.

Another reviewer here panned this release because it apparently isn't high art on a par with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony or Picasso's Guernica. (But that reviewer is also a Sade fan. 'Nuff said.) Keeping things in perspective, however, this is a fun and diverse bunch of songs to listen to. Those familiar with Prophet will not be disappointed. His impressive songwriting skills continue, and each song is distinct and engaging. Prophet's vocals--while distinctly his own--recall the school of Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Frank Zappa. Nothing showy, but he conveys real feeling, not just spit and polish. The production is pretty low key, but it's above bare bones, with basic synths and strings tastefully supplying additional texture to some of the tracks. And then there's his playing. Great stuff. I'm digging it. It's well worth checking out Soap and Water. If you want to hear more, search for his name on NPR's website -- he's done a few interviews, etc., and played a few tunes in the NPR studios with his band; you can listen to some tracks via their website. I'd say the world's a better place with this album and Chuck Prophet in it.

The idea of calling an album "Soap and Water" seems so obvious as we all use soap and water for all manner of things, and the music that Chuck Prophet has included here likewise encompasses all manner of things.

Mr. Prophet, who somehow has eluded becoming the next big thing, writes clever, catchy lyrics and pairs them great tunes--again, a classic pairing like soap and water. This is the kind of CD you can put on for a group of friends and keep a smug air as one by one folks drift over to ask what's playing. There is much to enjoy here: great guitar, just-right background vocals, bright melodies, and twisted humor.

Prophet's "Soap & Water" is a terrific collection of songs from an original voice. The casual recitation of the very personal lyrics, laid over the plucky, catchy tunes, makes for a great combination. I listen to the CD regularly and truly enjoy his wry take on relationships. "Soap & Water" is in the top 5 of CDs that I have heard in the last year.

Chuck Prophet performed recently at the Haddon Heights Dell in New Jersey but I'd heard him on wxpn 88.5 many times and really liked both his sound and his lyrics. He is witty, an excellent musician and singer, and he was a big hit at the Dell. I'd recommend this cd to anyone who likes Indie Rock, singer songwriters, or good music.

I was introduced to this CD on National Public Radio, which aired a couple of selections in early 2008. I'm really glad I purchased it--the music is quite original. It's the sort of music to play when you need to get moving--motivational and good to dance to. I'm surprised that the tunes aren't played more on commercial radio. I'm happy to be introduced to a new artist.

Love his previous 2 cd's. This one just doesn't live up to the standard set by them. I really wanted to love this, but it just isn't happening. As one reviewer mentioned, the strength is in the first few songs and a couple in the middle.

I would have to say this is a good "download a few songs" type of cd. Try out Freckle Song, Doubter of Jesus, I Can Feel Hearbeat, Would You Love Me and Soap and Water.

Besides these songs I notice a disturbing trend. Many of his songs are starting to sound like other songs he's written. Even more disturbing is some of these sound-a-like songs are on this same cd! He seems to rely on the same slow, brooding song structure far too often.

I know some Prophet fans won't appreciate this review, but I challenge them to listen to this cd along side Age of Miracles and Homemade Blood. I think you will hear the difference.

I really hope all involved get paid... This stuff rocks!
Literally rocks and stops on a dime, but loose, really loose.. HaHa..
Sending grunge on its side in wit and guitar!
Another 5 star winner for my collection.. With the cost of cd's these days you really need to take the best and leave the rest...
This is one of the best... highly recommended!

I'd pair it up with the latest Alejandro Escovedo Real Animal..

I still love Chuck's songs and his guitar playing is amazing. It took about 3 listens to crack the egg for me on this one. But once it spilled out I was hooked. I keep listening to this album as I travel the country and its a nice one to listen to in those lonely airports. I have seen Chuck play live many times and had the honor of sharing a stage or 2 with him and his band and every time I just watched as he took over the room. Chuck is the bomb!!

This is an awesome disc and would be anyone's good addition to your Indie collection.

My favorite Chuck Prophet cd. Every song is different, lots of subleties, and great hooks. Listen to "Doubter Out of Jesus" and try to get the tune out of your head. Very well put together & well done.