Burning in the Sun

Blue Merle

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2005)
• Original Release Date: February 15, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B0006ZXJT8
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,354 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This Nashville band may have lifted its name from the lyrics of a Led Zeppelin song but listeners expecting nine-minute guitar epics about medieval orgies and fiery demons are bound to be disappointed. Blue Merle favors a lighter touch, as sketched out on the wistful title track of its debut album, Burning In The Sun. The jangly song evokes the Dave Matthews Band with its lilting fiddles and spiraling rhythms, while singer-songwriter Luke Reynolds sounds like a dead ringer for Coldplay's Chris Martin. Having played Bonnaroo, toured with Donovan Frankenreiter and recoded with Matthews producer Stephen Haris, the band seems destined to find a home with the Relix crowd. It would be a shame if it settled there. Rich, emotionally detailed songs like "If I Could" and "Stay" not only transcend genres, they're capable of changing lives. -- Aidin Vaziri

Washington Post

"...so gorgeous you wanted to wrap his voice in silk and store it carefully in a safe for protection"

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Blue Merle - Buring in the Sun, May 20, 2005

By	Jill Haverkamp (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

At first listen, Blue Merle, a new band from Nashville, is easily mistaken for mellow British rockers Coldplay. Lead singer Luke Reynolds' use of falsetto bears a disturbing resemblance to Coldplay's front man Chris Martin. The timbre of the two bands is similar, but Blue Merle's inclusion of the mandolin, fiddle, guitar, upright bass, drums, djembe, and organ sheds a distinct light on Burning In The Sun. This collection of instruments, rare in today's pop music, gives Blue Merle's debut album a fresh, complete, and multi-dimensional appeal.

A somber recollection of a sweetheart is reveled in "Stay." The orchestra featured in this grief-stricken song causes the listener to literally feel their heart breaking. Reynolds' voice soothes the listener by insisting, "And we ain't together, But you stay with me." Similar emotionally potent ballads include "If I Could" and "Every Ship Must Sail Away."

The title track "Burning In The Sun" is about trying to get away from an unwanted break up. Reynolds pleads "It wasn't part of the plan, What was I supposed to do, But run and run." The imagery of rushing but not getting there fast enough is exquisitely executed through the racing chaos of the mandolin, fiddle, and percussion.

A good substitute for a morning cup of coffee is the animated "Either Way It Goes." This song comes alive with an intricate rhythm section complete with cowbell, drums, djembe, shaker, and tambourine.

Reynolds wrote all the songs on the album and is an adequate writer for this being his first album. Many of the lyrics are straightforward, requiring little in-depth analysis from the listener, yet they are empathetic.

With time, Blue Merle will break the Coldplay stereotype because they're an exceptional band with a wealth of potential. Their debut Burning In The Sun is a passionate, sentimental album that embraces tightly at every beat.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Looking for Painting Music, August 25, 2005

By	Heather M. Craig - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was at a certain record store, trying to avoid the people on the next stool competing for some sort of a public display of affection award, when I slapped on the headphones and picked 'Blue Merle'. Reminds me of dogs. I like dogs.

Normally, I jet from one track to the other, rapidly making decisions like... hate it, hate it, hate it, too poppy, too girlie.... but I listened to the first song all the way through... and then I listened to the second song all the way through, and then I knew that this CD was my new family. I clutched it close like a new puppy.

I brought it into my sacred painting studio space. This space is reserved for inspiration and hard work. Blue Merle definitely qualifies in those categories.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Go buy this album, February 18, 2005

By	Juhz Fiona (Georgia) - See all my reviews

Blue Merle is hard to describe and even more difficult to catagorize. Their debut album is excellent if you are looking for a break from everything else you have heard recently. All you need to know is this - the band consists of a stand-up bass, drums, mandolin, electric violin/fiddle, guitar, and wide-ranging vocal stylings (yes slightly reminiscent of Coldplay). The lyrics are understandable and definately relatable and memorable. The songs are catchy, but not quite danceable. They are all great guys and great musicians - and definatly make my "hit" list.