Smash Palace

Richard Julian

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 12, 1999)
• Original Release Date: January 12, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blackbird Records
• ASIN: B00000AGB1
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #172,103 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. The Restless Sea

2. Big Big World

3. Pussycat

4. Sleepin' In

5. Broken Watch

6. Love Is the Only War

7. As If

8. Boca Raton

9. (R.P. Intro) -

10. Roman Polanski

11. The Second Smallest State

12. Sleepin' in (Reprise)

13. John and Florine

14. It Happened to Me

15. Old Lovers

16. Karen

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Richard Julian is one of the music industry's best-kept secrets. Highly regarded among peers, he is both a gifted composer and a storyteller with an honest, if ironic point of view. His songs, often confessional, and always cinematic, are likely to leave a lasting impression. As a songwriter, he has been compared to Paul Simon, Beck, and Prince and his 1999 release, Smash Palace, found a welcome home at AAA radio, reaching #16. He has toured throughout the United States and Europe, opening for an array of major recording artists as well as headlining in nightclubs. His most recent effort, 'Good Life,' was released on the web independently January/2002 and has been enjoying rave reviews in the press as well as being added to radio playlists nationally.

Product Description

With all the influences available to a young man in an accelerated information age, it would be foolish for a cosmopolitan '90s singer-songwriter like Richard Julian to stick to one style. On SMASH PALACE, he doesn't bother. Where his debut cleaved to an organic, Americana rock & roll sound, the followup throws the rulebook into a blender and lets the pieces fall in a deceptively precise manner. Here he forsakes the singer-fronting-a-band approach for the multi-instrumentalist-run-amok-in-the-studio method of Prince or Beck (both of whose influences can be felt here).

With the help of producer/musician Brad Jones and a few talented sessioneers, Julian moves through Leonard Cohenish apocalypse ("The Restless Sea"), Bonnie Raitt-worthy bluesy sass ("Big Big World"), ethereal ballads to rival Jeff Buckley ("As If") and ARMED FORCES-style power pop ("The Second Smallest State"). All this eclecticism might be for naught without the incisive, studied lyricism, sophisticated harmonic sensibilities and smoky, intimate tenor that are the main weapons in Julian's formidable arsenal. This varied, inspiring album hangs together chiefly due to the strength of Julian's authoritative artistic vision.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm blown away!, September 15, 2001

By	John R. Kathrein (Arlington Heights, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Originally, I heard Broken Watches on Austin City Limits when the Nashville writer they were spotlighting was asked what he is listening to. He commented that he thought Richard Julian was one of the best wordsmiths in music and the his music was excellent. After hearing the song, I was intrigued enough to by the CD. I was stunned by the clever lyrics.The arrangements and recording quality made me feel like I just discovered gold! It's rare for me to like every song on a CD, but I enjoy every song on Smash Palace. If you are looking for a fine example of new artistry, superb back up musicians, mesmorizing arrangements and fantastic recording quality, then I urge you to pick up a copy of Smash Palace.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Clever, rhythmic lyrics, catchy melodies, lots of fun!, November 2, 1999

By	HPprinter (New York) - See all my reviews

I'll admit it: I originally bought this CD just because I worked with Richard at his day job and he's a very nice guy. I'd never heard him perform, and I had modest expectations. Then I found out that my now-ex-coworker is an awesome musician. The more I listened, the more this album surprised and impressed me. It's delightfully eclectic, the songs are very catchy, and his singing is full of feeling. To top it off, his lyrics are some of the best around. They're startlingly clever and funny, and their rhymes and rhythms add fire and spice to the music. This album is a blast!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way to go Richard, September 1, 1999

By A Customer

Well, I have finally heard something from this album that I don't get to hear much. My cousin rocks with his two albums that are currently on the market. I son't get to hear him much but when I am in stores up north, I always look for the chance to get his music in some form of ausio. Keep up the good work and I liik forward to hearing more from you soon. Great job again, Richard