I really like this set a lot. It combines modern sounds with older ones to create something that’s familiar and yet fresh. The songs, with different arrangements would feel like they could have been released at just about any time in the last 50 years. There is a universal element to them. These are songs that should feel comforting in terms of their familiarity. Still, the overall concept is modern at the same time. This is cool stuff.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Percussion opens this. Then some electronics joins. The sound becomes sort of a modern, minimalist approach to an older sound. There are some tasty piano and some intriguing older sounds in the mix. The vocal arrangement is interesting, too. This is a great song. The harmonica adds a lot to the mix. It’s based on a real merging of older and newer sounds. It’s unusual and unexpected. It’s also strong. More layers of sound later move it beyond that “minimalist” heading.

Although this is more or less a piano based tune, it turns to a more rocking motif mid-track. This is a great example of that classic sound paired with modern elements. It’s also a strong number that’s among the highlights here.

This piece is less than a minute long. It’s essentially a piano based ballad. It’s a good tune and I normally wouldn’t consider ending on something like this a good move, but it works well. It’s a nice cap to end a great disc.