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 09/2008

    VARIOUS
    To Spirit Back the Mews: An Asthmatic Kitty Compilation

  • reviewed 04/2008

    She & Him
    Volume 1

  • reviewed 05/2011

    YAEL NAIM & DAVID DONATIEN
    She was a Boy

  • reviewed 06/2011

    SMALL TOWN SON
    Burning Good Rubber

  • reviewed 08/2004

    Various Artists
    Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo

  • reviewed 09/2007

    Various Artists - Produced by Jesse Harris
    The Hottest State

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.