Customer Reviews

Something Simple

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The other review isn't entirely wrong. This album finds Stuart in a fairly polished pop mode, but thats on first listen. The subversiveness of the subject matter underneath the candy coating comes through on repeated listening. Its the same Stuart you've always loved (or will love), at a turning point in his development as an artist. You find this with truly progressive artists every few albums. "What" is definitely my favorite album, and I was initially ever so slightly wary of the shiny sheen of this disc, but... all becomes clear on repeated listens. Some old favorites get remade and some new classics are born. The whole album fits his recent mission statement - sneak deeper philosophical and developmental discussion into the language of modern pop music. Deep thoughts hidden in a big candy Trojan horse. Love it.

A decided attempt to be more radio friendly, Stuart pulls some of his punches -- or does he? On the surface, these tunes are radio friendly but within the lyrical brilliance for which Stuart is known there are still the sharp, honest observations (this time, about spirituality and love) than would normally ever get play because his insights are just too darn true. Yeah, you can rock at his shows but there's something sacred about his music -- it is no surprise then that his street teams are known as "punk monks". Stuart worried he might lose the literati (Kevin Smith era, give or take a gen or two) that have helped fuel his decade-plus independent career, but I think there's no worry about that -- this album may not explore the dark side of human nature as much as the "silver album" or be as taboo shattering as "Bell", but what "Something Simple" says about love and connection is just as insightful. Don't think of it as a radio-friendly Stu album, think of it as Stuart's love album.

I know, I know that Stu is trying to work a new audience. I have all of Stu's CD and this is probably my least favorite becouse I hate pop music. That being said, I know Stu is trying to make the Dharma accessable to the pop crowd and I respect him for that. The folks that are going to like "Already Free" or "Sky God" (amusing!) are probably not going to dig "Immanance" or "Only Echos". But Stu is the only person I know who could do this, so I have to support what he is doing. So 5 stars for the effort, 1 star for pop music gives us 4 stars ( I throw an extra star just becaue Stu is to great! and that Diety Freek is very cool!). Go Stu, I'll always love you, you are the most amazing dharma musician! I want to love this but I just hate pop!

Edit: OK OK this album grew on me. I've been badgered by Jonah and his goddamn dogs but I'd have to give this thing 5 stars now. It's just really good. OK, now leave me alone!!

My first response was catchy, but, where's my copy of What?

This album is only pop on the surface, and, remember, Stuart's original label was Dharam Pop. Beneath the surface, this music transmits the depth and love of creation that's willing to tear you apart to wake you up.

With each of Stuart's albums, my nervious system has had to make some adjustments. Something Simple is no different. After several listens, I really like the music.

If you just can't bring yourself to listen to pop veneer, then buy it and give to friend who can.

Ok those of us that have every album of Stuart can look at this latest iteration and think. "he sold out" or some other non-skillful thoughts. Instead be open to the fact that he is one of the rare artists that feel ok with singing about the Dharma's infinite mystery and simple beauty. For that we, as faithful listeners, should be accepting of him as he goes and brings these wonderful songs out into the populous.

1. Already Free - This song is catchy and is very accessible. You could hear this on just about any college station.

2. The River - Starts out a bit melancholy and quickly picks up. Has a great hook.

3. Deity Freak - Really has a cool middle eastern overtones with a fantastic hook. Great dance beat in the background.

4. Wand - One of my personal favorites, great lyrics and cool rhythm.

5. Twisted Mystery - Kind of a country feel to this song. Once again great lyrics.

6. Fear of Light - Slow, swelling orchestral arrangement. Kind of reminds me of Silent Lucidity Queensryche - Greatest Hits.

7. Nothing In Between - Another song with a poignant message. Has a John Denver Country Roads sound to it.

8. Sugar Bullets - Classic shock Stuart. I love his fearless attack on the "better" sensibilities of common America. Don't we all just want Jesus Christ without the Christians? Incidentally this is the title of his new book due out this year. You can get an advance copy on Stuart's website.

9. Sky God - Yea, he did go there. Of course this is what helped bring Stuart to the front of the punk/Dharma/pop scene. Very catch lyrics.

10. Universe Communion - This is a good version, I do however like the acoustic version you can see on FaceTube (Cant say the real place here). Even so it has fantastic lyrics.

11. Miracle - Ok this song is my #1 for one main reason. It has backup vocals by Ed Kowalczyk (former front man for Live). Ed is a Buddhist but he really doesn't talk about it that much. Even so, whatever his reasons I support him and support his effort in working with Stuart.

12. After the crescendo that was the album it closes with a beautiful song that reminds me of a song to listen at bed time. Peaceful and serene.

Overall Stuart does dip into the more mainstream music scene. I support him and wish him well. He is a brilliant artist and deserves to make money to keep producing fantastic work.

Thank you for reading my review.

I've been a Stuart Davis fan for over a decade. This is his most mainstream work, but it's still fantastic. Enjoy!

Not sure why people say this isnt good Stuart? It is different and more pop sure, but why begrudge a guy for changing themselves a bit? Who knows. I like it alot.

Yes, it's true that this is Stuart's most "mainstream" album to date in terms of style and production, but it is still the luminous, incisive, lyrical/musical genius Stu at work. I love this album more every time I hear it, there is a joyousness that radiates from it, especially in "Already Free", "The River", "Wand", "The Miracle" and "In Between". "Deity Freak" is an awesome, danceable package of freakalicious fun, and there is also plenty of Stu's classic pervy humor and grit in the wonderfully revamped "Sugar Bullets", "Twisted Mystery" and "Sky God". My only kvetch, as a longtime fan, is that I just like some songs such as "Fear of Light" and "Universe Communion" much better as acoustic numbers--the versions on this album are a bit overproduced in my opinion. The cure for this problem for new listeners is simply to get themselves to a live Stu show and hear them in their naked glory!

I also have to applaud Stuart for taking the artistic risk of going for a more "mainstream-friendly" sound, one of the things I love most about his work is his willingness to evolve and try new things rather than just sticking with the same sound that has won him fans in the past. Each new album is always a surprise. Can hardly wait for the next!

Stuart Davis is a great Integral lyrical visionary and his cd 'self titled'(stuart davis)is imho a work of genius.....its been musically downhill since that release unfortunately......the new cd has one high moment for me which is the remake of 'universe communion' this song is truly brilliant and deserves a wider audience the addition of the synthetic strings is spot on.I will continue to purchase Stuarts output because I know his intentions are to help raise awareness....my suggestion would be to frame your wonderful lyrics with music more along the lines of Kate Bush or Peter Gabriel rather than the 'poppy' veneer of this and the last cd 'What'and I agree with the other reviewer in that the production is very flat and predictably 'glossy'.

Being a fan of Stu, seeing him in concert over 15 times, and investing hundreds of dollars in purchasing his repretoire, I was especially excited about the prospect of his new album. My husband and I danced to a live version of "Nothing in Between" at our wedding, and I was so happy about the idea of a studio version of this amazingly beautiful song. I was especially happy about Stu's forays into the mainstream.

I was disappointed. Stu has made a "mainstream" album, and in the process, he has lost his signature style. My favorite song that touches my heart? The studio version has no personality. As I listened to the other songs, I gathered the same feeling.

If I were you, I would purchase the live versions of the song, or albums such as What? or his best-selling---16 nudes. Those albums catch the expertise, passion, beauty, and craziness of Stuart Davis whereas this album feels washed out.