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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Stephen Inglis

Learning You by Heart

Review by Gary Hill

The quick description of this would be “folk music.” That nails it pretty well. Yet, there is a lot more going on here. At times it even leans toward progressive rock. There is a lot of country, rock and more in this. I hear a lot of Arlo Guthrie, but not in the vocals, just the music. Whatever you call it, though, I enjoy this one quite a bit.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Blind with Haste

Classic folk music sounds are the order of business on this opening song. I love the organ. This song just has such a timeless vibe. The guitar solo almost brings some progressive rock to the table.

Learning You by Heart
With some country in the mix, the folk music on the title track is also classic. It reminds me a bit of something Arlo Guthrie might do.
Lay Your Dagger Down
Country, folk and rock merge on this energetic number. It’s a tasty tune.
Our Younger Days
A mellower piece, this one is packed with country music elements. It really does have a traditional country music sound.
Maria Luisa
With some double entendre based lyrics, this is Latin flavored folk music at its best. It’s a lot of fun.
Don’t Postpone Joy
This one doesn’t work for me. It’s a duet, but it’s too much of what I consider the “sloppy” side of old school folk music.
Troubadour
Old school folk, merges with gospel music, country and even some rock here. This is a strong piece, but not one of my favorites of the set.
Cold Sunday
I love the intricate picking on this piece. It’s a great blue grass turned blues rock tune. The harmonica is great, too. This might be my favorite song here.
My Latest Offering
A slower folk rock tune, this reminds me both of Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie. It’s another highlight of the set.
Carousel
The guitar solo brings a healthy helping of country music to the song. Beyond that, it’s mostly a fun folk song.
Wildfire
This mellow folk song has a classic sound to it. There is definitely a lot of soft rock here, too.
Find Your Way Back Home
A bluegrass styled folk song, this has a lot of energy and catchy hooks.
The Long Run
The harmonica adds a lot to this. It’s a mellower song. It’s very pretty and very classic. It’s also another highlight of the set. While mellow songs don’t always make the best parting shot, in this case it works extremely well.
 
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