Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Turning Point, March 27, 2008
The other review isn't entirely wrong. This album finds Stuart in a fairly polished pop mode, but thats on first listen. The subversiveness of the subject matter underneath the candy coating comes through on repeated listening. Its the same Stuart you've always loved (or will love), at a turning point in his development as an artist. You find this with truly progressive artists every few albums. "What" is definitely my favorite album, and I was initially ever so slightly wary of the shiny sheen of this disc, but... all becomes clear on repeated listens. Some old favorites get remade and some new classics are born. The whole album fits his recent mission statement - sneak deeper philosophical and developmental discussion into the language of modern pop music. Deep thoughts hidden in a big candy Trojan horse. Love it.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Something Softer...but as sharp as always, April 18, 2008
A decided attempt to be more radio friendly, Stuart pulls some of his punches -- or does he? On the surface, these tunes are radio friendly but within the lyrical brilliance for which Stuart is known there are still the sharp, honest observations (this time, about spirituality and love) than would normally ever get play because his insights are just too darn true. Yeah, you can rock at his shows but there's something sacred about his music -- it is no surprise then that his street teams are known as "punk monks". Stuart worried he might lose the literati (Kevin Smith era, give or take a gen or two) that have helped fuel his decade-plus independent career, but I think there's no worry about that -- this album may not explore the dark side of human nature as much as the "silver album" or be as taboo shattering as "Bell", but what "Something Simple" says about love and connection is just as insightful. Don't think of it as a radio-friendly Stu album, think of it as Stuart's love album.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I Know What He is Up To, July 6, 2008
I know, I know that Stu is trying to work a new audience. I have all of Stu's CD and this is probably my least favorite becouse I hate pop music. That being said, I know Stu is trying to make the Dharma accessable to the pop crowd and I respect him for that. The folks that are going to like "Already Free" or "Sky God" (amusing!) are probably not going to dig "Immanance" or "Only Echos". But Stu is the only person I know who could do this, so I have to support what he is doing. So 5 stars for the effort, 1 star for pop music gives us 4 stars ( I throw an extra star just becaue Stu is to great! and that Diety Freek is very cool!). Go Stu, I'll always love you, you are the most amazing dharma musician! I want to love this but I just hate pop!
Edit: OK OK this album grew on me. I've been badgered by Jonah and his goddamn dogs but I'd have to give this thing 5 stars now. It's just really good. OK, now leave me alone!!
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by Stuart Davis 
