2008-05-05
Matthew Ryan gets rockier with a bunch of musical compatriots in this set of anthems, sounding like he's fronting a band rather than a solo act accompanied by background musicians. The result, some reviewers say, is a Tom Petty sound-alike. I find MRVSS much closer to Bono and U2 because of the decidedly more emotional delivery -- and, in some cases, larger themes. The opener, "Dulce Et Decorum Est" brings in a fiddle early on that sets that Irish-sounding tone and then the second number, "American Dirt," seals the deal -- Bono, not Petty. "It Could've Been Worse" and "Closing In" are also standouts. Ryan makes a smart move forming this group; he's like Springsteen finding his E Street Band. MJVD 05/08 R-RootsTHE POSTMARKS
The Postmarks
Mint
Magnetism
WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS
WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS
ONWARD, SOLDIERS
Monsters
BEN HARPER AND THE RELENTLESS SEVEN
Live From the Montreal International Jazz Festival
RUSSELL HOWARD
City Heart
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.