Customer Reviews

That's How I Walk

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Rounder/Philo Records presents the latest release from, singer/songwriter Stephen Fearing "That's How I walk", fourteen songs that will bring you into his fold. A splendid combination of lyrics, vocals & guitars from this young Canadian from Vancouver. Fearing isn't easy to describe or comparing him to other artists, but you will not be disappointed as this disc is pure brilliance. Each cue is something personal, much like James Taylor with reflective and earnest textures.

Remember previous Fearing albums "Out to Sea" (1988), "Industrial Lullaby" (1998) and "So Many Miles(live)" all outstanding releases, but this 2003 release has it all, which brings us to this review. Just listen to "LIKE THE WAY YOU SAID", when you hear "looking for a little bit of blue sky", making music with the sinner ~ "TOWN CALLED JESUS", beautiful mournful lyrics with a tear in his throat ~ "SHOWBIZ", haunting arrangement takes us into a whole different world ~ "ON THE GREAT DIVIDE", feels like you've heard this before, you instantly associate with each phrase ~ "ME & MR. BLUE", novelty written all over it ~ "THAT'S HOW I WALK", is the title tune, talks about life and all the troubles that apply ~ "WAILING WALL", great rhythm and tempo with inspiring performance is the key to this track ~ "BLACK SILK GOWN", this is probably one of my favorite cues, very Johnny Cash sounding with each verse leaving its mark ~ "MEGHAN HAYDEN'S", instrumental takes us on a celtic journey ~ "THE PARTING GLASS", sitting center stage with just his acoustic guitar is Stephen and joining him is Colin Linden on electric resonator guitar, this how it should be..."goodnight and joy be with you all".

Total Time: 52:15 on 14 Tracks ~ Rounder/Philo Records 18964-1221-2 ~ (1/28/2003)

Over the course of several albums, Fearing and producer Colin Linden have fashioned a clever, rough-hewned variant of singer-songwriter music, with all the sincerity inherent in the genre, but with a rough edge that undercuts any potential sappiness. Fearing's grown into an impressive and evocative songwriter, capable of saying more with less. This disk is his finest yet, with Linden's bluesy/rootsy touches melding seemlessly with Fearing's clear voice and honest, bittersweet tunes. I can't recommend this disk high enough -- urgent, melodic, warm, and defiant, it is the jewel in Fearing's impressive catalog.

Incredible stuff here. I was riveted upon my first listening. An amazing and virtually unknown musician. I am looking forward to hearing his other releases, but I can't imagine that they will top this one.

OK. So you loved Industrial Lullaby and Assassin's Apprentice. You even put Blue Line on every now and then. But sometimes you wish that Mr. Fearing could capture the incredible energy of his live shows in his studio work.

Your wish is granted.

This is the best album I own.