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David Fitzpatrick

Parachutes in Hurricanes

Review by Gary Hill

If you are a fan of singer songwriter, Americana based music, you should really give this album a try. David Fitzpatrick's sound is varied enough to keep things interesting, while being firmly rooted in the traditional mainstream sounds one would expect from the genre. There isn't a weak song in the bunch, and there are a couple highlights. This isn't anything especially original or unique. It is just very strong.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 5. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

Track by Track Review
Lost on the Same Street
Singer songwriter stylings are established right at the start of this cut. After the first vocal movement the tune turns a bit harder rocking. There is a bit of backing vocal that's echoed copying lines from the lead vocal part. I think that's a nice touch, but a bit too prominent. If it were dropped back a little, I think it would work really well. As it is, I found it a little distracting at times.
Long Way Down
A bit more of a powered up balladic number, this has some Tom Waits in the mix. The organ is prominent and lends a cool retro vibe to the piece. There is a lot of country leaning Americana here. The backing vocal thing from the previous cut gets used here, too. That said, here it works, to a large degree because it's used much more sparingly.
Half a Mile
Country and Americana drive this accessible tune. I dig the organ and the piano on this, and the whole piece is very strong.
How I Wish
While this is heavily based on country music, there are hints of soul in the mix, too. This is sort of a mid-tempo number with some blues in the basic musical concepts. It's also a particularly strong song.
All in Tonight
A mellow ballad at the start, this is a nice change. It's perhaps a bit more modern in tone than some of the others are. It's still effective. Around the half-way mark (the song is almost six minutes long) it turns out to some killer alternative rock.
Your Ghost
Another that's more a balladic cut, this has some classic Americana in the mix along with more modern elements, too.
Money Isn't Everything
Soul and classic rock merge on this classy tune. I dig the bass line on this song. It's a cool rocker that works really well. The horns bring something special to the number, too.
So Happy with You
There is both jazz and country in the mix on this classy number. It's a strong tune, but a bit understated. There is a soulful edge to the cut.
Bed of Roses
This powerhouse number has some great rock and jazz textures in the mix. It's mainstream, accessible and so cool.
If I Could
There is a healthy helping of old time rock and roll built into this bouncy little number. It's effective and accessible. It's a lot of fun, too.
Done to Me
Piano, voice and strings make up the musical concepts here. This is a classy sort of ballad that's strong. Normally I don't think that mellower songs work that well as album closers. In this case, it's a good choice.
 
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