Sunrise on Avenue C

James Maddock (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 11, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B002KB7O9C
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,491 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Track Listing: 1. Chance 2. Prettier Girls 3. Stars Align 4. Sunrise on Avenue C 5. When the Suns Out 6. When You Go Quiet 7. Hollow Love 8. Ruins 9. Fragile 10. Dumbed Down 11. Straight Lines 12. Together

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Records of 2009, August 4, 2009

By 

UWSMusic (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunrise on Avenue C (Audio CD)

I was such a big fan of James Maddock's first record, Wood-Songs from Stamford Hill, that I bought a copy for virtually every friend I have, those who have any degree of taste. I've been waiting for a follow up album and I waited a long time, 10 years, but this record is certainly well worth the wait. There are a handful of people in the world who can craft songs at this skill level. Like early Jackson Browne, most of the tracks are emotional, melodic, melancholy, gorgeous.... Then there are a handful of pop gems mixed in. I've only had a few complete listens, but if there is a better song than "when you go quiet," in 2009, I'd like to hear it. All the tracks sound strong, it really feels like a complete record...which rarely happens these days. This record may just hold up as one of the best albums in 2009. Enjoy!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the real 'Boss', December 1, 2009

By 

D. Chisholm "Mr Chis" (The Outback; UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sunrise on Avenue C (Audio CD)

James Maddock has come a long way since the days of the pub gigs on Welford Road in Leicester, UK where his edgy vocal style drew inevitable comparison with Bruce Springsteen. The early promise of his band `Standing Room Only' never materialised, despite his obvious talent as both a performer and writer. When his new band `Fire Next Time' moved to Polydor, I felt sure his time had come - but despite the brilliance of `Stay With Me Now', James somehow still passed under the radar.

I lost track of him until 2004 when on returning from a business trip to New York and Los Angeles, I heard a track on a compilation cd by a band called Wood. I'd heard it several times, but suddenly realised the vocalist sounded like James Maddock. After discovering I was right, I had to cope with the disappointment of having missed him gigging in both of those cities while I was there.

The Wood album `Songs from Stamford Hill' was a truly excellent piece of work. He never forgets his Leicester roots, making passing references like: "When Harlow Town beat Leicester City ..." yes, thanks (?) for the memory of the soccer match I try to forget! `Could I be' was a particular gem worthy of public recognition.

Since then, he's had songs on film soundtracks and continues to raise the bar.

So after all this time I should be totally unsurprised by the quality of `Sunrise on Avenue C', while being totally mesmerised by his ability to `nail' a song through both the creative process and the performance.

James Maddock now lives in New York and has a maturity which shines through in all areas of his work. One of his greatest qualities is his ability to craft humour and positivity in songs. When it seems he is about to point the finger, he asks the question of himself - wholly unpredictable. He's clearly a guy in touch with his inner self and unafraid to express his true feelings.

I really enjoyed every track - several are radio-friendly and will hopefully (deservedly) attract airtime in the UK. The highlights are `When the Sun's Out' which carries a hilarious line about Nurofen which made me laugh outloud - and `Dumbed Down' which also has clever imagery, observations and humour. Equally, there can be few men or women who haven't experienced the emotions and feelings in `When You Go Quiet'. I have a feeling an established star will pick up this track and make it an enormous hit.

Anyone who has ever tried to craft music and aspired to high standards will appreciate there are times you have to sit back and admire those who genuinely have real talent. James Maddock has it in buckets - surely one day it will be recognised in his homeland.

Meanwhile, if you're searching for something new, fresh, and vibrant to take you away from a world of manufactured pop and rock, do yourself a favour and buy this album. You won't buy better - there's a new 'Boss' in town.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Records of the Year, August 4, 2009

By 

Mavishead "MAVIS" (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunrise On Avenue C (MP3 Download)

People just don't make records like this anymore.... A well crafted, diverse set of songs that just kind of blows you away. Ruins, Fragile, When You Go Quiet..., are as good as songs can get in my opinion, but the whole record is strong. I was a fan before, but James Maddock really delivered one of the great records of 2009. I just hope this guy gets the recognition he deserves.