Customer Reviews

Tangerine (Dig)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After an effort that was very somber and introspective (2004's INDIANA), here comes a batch of songs that seem to have completely come out of nowhere if you've followed Mead's career in song (which I have).

From the opening of the intro track (basically an overture consisting of themes from other songs) it's obvious that David Mead and producer Brad Jones pulled out all of the stops. From the glock on that track, to the calliope on "Hard To Remember", the clavinet on "Chatterbox"... each track has something unique. I can't help but wonder if these songs were created with these layers of instrumentation in mind - but the result is something intensely huge that gets bigger with repeated listenings.

Some favorites - the almost-acapella highlight "Reminded #1" has some sweet harmonies and incredible lyrics. "Suddenly, A Summer Night" blends eerie theremin sounds with an equally eerie vocal melody and then explodes into a beautiful chorus. "Chatterbox" and the single "Fighting For Your Life" are classic pop nuggets. "Hunting Season" is a mysterious track that - for me - became clear on repeated listenings (it is now my favorite track on the album). And the closer, "Choosing Teams", just ends it perfectly.

Don't hesitate on this one. There's something for everybody here.

The best what? The best pop album of 2006? - YES! The best album of his career? - YES! The best pop album of the past decade? - Quite possibly IMHO, YES! This album is a triumph for those who still believe in real music made by real artists. David's commitment to his vision is unwavering. Please buy this CD. You'll not be disappointed.

Whether your first sample of Tangerine comes from the audio collage opening the CD, or visual contact with the striking cover art, you'll know from the start this is something different.

David Mead's songs are always a delight for fans of finely crafted lyrics; a combination of storytelling and poetic descriptive phrases, often with a nice dash of whimsical humor tossed in. The arrangements of this studio masterpiece give the perfect framework for showcasing the songs. There is a veritable smorgasbord of instruments not often found in a pop/rock setting, and they are all interwoven with just the right touch. Glockenspiel, clavinet, vibraphone, and calliope are just a few of the surprises. David's distinctive voice, with trademark upper register wonder-notes, completes the unique presentation.

This album is the result of giving a creative artist complete freedom. The result is, not surprisingly, vibrant, boldly unusual, and a bit exotic. Not unlike it's namesake: Tangerine.

I agree with the reviewer that rates this as the best pop album of the year. For these ears, this is some of the best music out there today. I recently saw him do a solo show, and continue to be blown away by his extraordinary voice and songs. That's plenty good enough, but when you hear the full arrangements and the production of Brad Jones on this disc...well, it's stunning. You add the CD packaging with the original artwork and you've got one very tasteful, gorgeous piece of work. His music is vibrant and original, and he continues to get better each time out. As others have said, check this guy out!

This is excellent. 'Sugar on the Knees' has a 'Wild Honey' era Beach Boys things going on. 'Suddenly a Summer Night' is a 70's MOR song (a good thing in case you were wondering). Pulse all of this through a blender set on 70's band Squeeze, add a dash of McCartney (Is this guy completely pissed off yet over that comparison? Probably not) and you've got quite an appealing proposition.

This is my favorite album of the year so far! (the only other contenders really were Zoysia from the Bottle Rockets and Golden Smog's new one) Every song is infectious -- check out the sax choir in the middle of "Chatterbox" or the loopy melody in "The Trouble with Henry". Wonderful album from start to finish.

Great record. Beautiful, Beatles-esque arrangements and melodies, smart but not overindulgent lyrics, and album-length consistency. I stumbled on it at a listening station at my local CD shop and grabbed it. Wonderful stuff.

Those familiar with David Mead's brand of dazzling, intelligent pop will not be disappointed. The British influence is obvious, but his melancholy harmonies and angelic voice lift these tunes beyond that reference point.
The shame is, hardly anyone will hear this album beyond those in the know. That's okay, it's our secret.

With every listen, this album proves it will not only endure, but transcend most of my massive musical collection. Even jaded me is astonished at the richness of Mead music. He not only has a great voice, but his lyrics, arrangements and musicianship reach this hard-to-impress fan of fusion, prog and classical. The 1st time you listen, I can almost assure you you may not grasp the depth you will after 5 listens. After 10, if you're like me, the music will haunt you day and night. Honestly, it's that good. Even I am surprised by my attachment. And, I thought nothing could surpass his previous, stellar CDs. Mead takes risks and writes with finesse and dimension as if he were in an era where excellence were common and in-demand (and, it's not). If you're spoiled by past excellence and have come to think it's all in the past (you KNOW what I'm sayin'), well.... He's the amalgamation of the greatest songwriters of the 70s, but with a signature, inimitable sound. Mead is a FANTASTIC discovery (when I needed one) and I shudder to think I would've missed this. A friend kept pushing Luxury of Time until I finally "got it." Thanks again, Alisa, for your persistence.