RELEASE

Andrew Baum

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 17, 2000)
• Original Release Date: December 17, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B000059S0Z
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,027,786 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This debut album from New York based singer-songwriter Andrew Baum, like it's title "RELEASE", commands that you let go and give in. Whether you resist or not, by the end of one listen, you will find music that goes down lush and smooth. In warm ballads and inviting melodies, Baum evokes all our sun-dappled afternoons and bittersweet times with open and quiet emotionality reminiscent of Billy Joel in the 70s. Relying on gentle harmonies and an acoustic guitar, songs like "I Feel You Fade" and "Like the Sun" make you feel as if you're discovering Simon and Garfunkel for the first time. The more complicated productions, like "Even More", break your heart with their open-throated, yearning vocals. For all it's tentative melancholy, this album has a simmering optimism underneath. Baum offers a peaceful and personable hope. He sings us songs of a mature hope borne out of longing, understanding too much, and knowing everything comes full circle over and over. The beauty is that Baum comes to terms and realizes that all he can do, like all of us, is "RELEASE."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A songwriter is born!, April 5, 2001

By A Customer

At first I wasn't sure whether I'd like this album, but after a couple of listens it's really starting to grow on me. The guy writes easy, delicate melodies, and the accompaniment is full of interesting harmonies without being overbearing. Not your average, excessively produced, junky rock tunes built on boring chord changes. I particularly enjoy the song "I Feel You Fade." Anyone who likes Elliott Smith or Simon and Garfunkle or Nick Drake will probably be happy with this album. It's sweet and gentle, and although the lyrics can get a bit mushy at times, there's a lot to admire in the composition of it all. Keep the songs coming, Andrew Baum!

5.0 out of 5 stars Melodies, harmonies, hooks and great lyrics., August 7, 2001

By	Mark M. Lee "mleejedi" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've only known Andrew Baum since 1983, and I've only seen him play about 40 or 50 times. So I may not be an expert about him or his music, but I will say I have become intimate with his first album, Release. Some albums are best played loud. . .Baum's album is best played often. It strikes me as a cross of Elton and Paul, with some of that very cool loose Desparado vibe, reprises, ballads, up-tempo melodies and thoughtful meditations. I find it to be a timeless tale of love lost and a confidence restored. Something that everyone can relate to. I've bought a few copies as gifts for friends. . .you should too!

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally a worthy release!!, July 26, 2001

By A Customer

As a musician of 15 years I have been lucky enough to grow up with the good stuff... The Beatles, The Who, The Stones, Elton John, Billy Joel. Real Songs, Real Singers. I have heard Andrew Baum's RELEASE and after several plays this is what I take from it Real Songs, Real Singer. I find myself humming to tunes like "Made For You", "Like The Sun", and have a real connection with "Seems So Long" and hopefully it won't "seem too long" before you too will join me with this wonderful RELEASE from Andrew Baum!