Richard Shindell

Not Far Now

2009-05-11

Shindell’s seventh studio release should please his fans, although I don’t think it’s his strongest release. None of the songs here have quite the lyrical power as “The Ballad of Mary Magdalene” or “Are You Happy Now?” although that’s not to say there’s nothing worthwhile here. “Parasol Ants” is an upbeat track that compares God to “a local hood” whose breath “is the gale.” You can guess who the ants symbolize. Unfortunately, the other standout track (in my opinion), “State of the Union,” contains the S-word, so it’s a no-play. On the whole this is a decent release; I just was expecting a little more from an artist who, at his best, writes some really great songs NO PLAY TRACK 7

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 02/2007

    Rickie Lee Jones
    The Sermon on Exposition Boulevard

  • reviewed 01/2004

    Dar Williams
    The Beauty of the Rain

  • reviewed 02/2010

    HARLEM PARLOR MUSIC CLUB
    SALT OF THE EARTH

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Michael Franti
    Songs from the Front Porch

  • reviewed 01/2010

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Keep the Light Alive: Celebrating the Music of Lowen and Navarro

  • reviewed 09/2007

    AXTON KINCAID
    Songs From The Pine Room

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.