Somewhere Near Paterson

Somewhere Near Paterson

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Richard Shindell saw his fervid following expand thanks to Cry Cry Cry, an album of covers he recorded with fellow folk stars Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky. But fans are keen to take him straight up, and folk's Velvet Fog has obliged them with Somewhere Near Paterson. His fourth release is in fact a return to form after the uneven Reunion Hill. Still, longtime fans--and those lucky to come upon this singer-songwriter for the first time--should cherish almost everything here. In the jingle-jangle opener, "Confession," a Wall Street type is desperate for pharmaceutical grace. Some will consider this monologue a chip off the Michael Stipe-ish block, yet its compound of irony, sympathy, and slant observation is Shindell's own. Other great tunes include "You Stay Here," narrated by a war-zone Everyman, "Waiting for the Storm," featuring another of the disc's quiet outlaws, and "Spring." Though this cut's Celtic-style coda has its longueurs, few would be without its paradoxical chorus: "Maybe will be certain / You can take it as a vow / Winter's just the curtain / Spring will take the bow." Shindell insists that his dramatis personae exist only in "songland," but his best work makes one beg to differ. And no one does dynamics and drop-D tunings better. --Kerry Fried

Somewhere Near Paterson,Richard Shindell,Signature Records,Contemporary Folk,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Folk,Folk & Traditional,In an artfully straightforward baritone, this artist shapes his spare and beautiful melodies into literary, poetic, and humble songs, both profound and plain.,Pop

Average customer rating:

one listen and you are hooked...

Songwriter's Dream

Wow...This is Great!!

Go Richard Shindell!

A Folk Tour De Force: Shindell's Poetic Magnum Opus

Somewhere Near Paterson
Richard Shindell
Manufacturer: Signature Sounds
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Styles | Music
Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Vuelta

Sparrows Point

Courier

Blue Divide

Reunion Hill

ASIN: B000040JCT
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Confession
Abuelita
You Stay Here
My Love Will Follow You
Spring
Wisteria
Waiting For The Storm
The Grocer's Broom
Merritt Parkway, 2 AM
Transit
Calling The Moon

Amazon.com

Richard Shindell saw his fervid following expand thanks to Cry Cry Cry, an album of covers he recorded with fellow folk stars Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky. But fans are keen to take him straight up, and folk's Velvet Fog has obliged them with Somewhere Near Paterson. His fourth release is in fact a return to form after the uneven Reunion Hill. Still, longtime fans--and those lucky to come upon this singer-songwriter for the first time--should cherish almost everything here. In the jingle-jangle opener, "Confession," a Wall Street type is desperate for pharmaceutical grace. Some will consider this monologue a chip off the Michael Stipe-ish block, yet its compound of irony, sympathy, and slant observation is Shindell's own. Other great tunes include "You Stay Here," narrated by a war-zone Everyman, "Waiting for the Storm," featuring another of the disc's quiet outlaws, and "Spring." Though this cut's Celtic-style coda has its longueurs, few would be without its paradoxical chorus: "Maybe will be certain / You can take it as a vow / Winter's just the curtain / Spring will take the bow." Shindell insists that his dramatis personae exist only in "songland," but his best work makes one beg to differ. And no one does dynamics and drop-D tunings better. --Kerry Fried

Customer Reviews:

one listen and you are hooked... .......2007-06-14

there I was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the night before my own one-man show was set to take center stage and I was invited to attend a concert being given by the foks of Legion Arts. That was my first introduction to the music of Richard Shindell. I bought this CD that night after the concert. A unique singer-songwriter with lyrics that run deep. Beautiful music, one of the great unknowns of American music with a loyal, dedicated following. Listen and you'll know why. My wife became a fan after I played it for her and it is still one of my most played cd's that I own. Confession, You Stay Here and My Love Will Follow You are my favs.

Songwriter's Dream.......2007-02-26

Richard Shindell explores a variety of personal emotions in his work. Every song is interesting and most will stick with you. I believe "You Stay Here" is one of the best songs ever written. It packs a huge, unspoken story into such simple lyrics.

"Wisteria" ids also a favorite of mine. "The Grocer's Broom" is moving.

Shindell is probably too introspective for some, but if you're in a contemplative mood, you won't go wrong with this one.

Wow...This is Great!!.......2005-11-09

"Confessions" and "My Love Will Follow You" are the strongest tracks. There is also the poignant "You Stay Here," about survival and family, and "Transit." Shindell has a knack for crafting haunting and compelling stories and music. This is a very gifted singer/songwriter. "Lately I've been thinking, something has to give....I left the doors ajar, sitting here in this rocking chair waiting for the storm." Powerful. I cannot believe I'm just discovering his music now. I just received this CD and have been playing it over and over in the car, feeling more enriched after each listening experience. I've ordered his live CD "Courier" which I understand is even better! I look forward to seeing him in concert some day soon too.

The lyrics are very meaningful and not like the tripe we see in commercial music nowadays. The excellent music enhances the lyrics, taking them to another level. There is almost a blunt honesty in his music that shines through very graciously. As one reviewer said, this is "great music to listen to on a summer night in the car with the windows open." Congrats on an excellent recording Mr. Shindell :) Your music is a true treasure.

Go Richard Shindell!.......2005-10-17

I loved this CD! It was almost like sitting at one of his concerts. The songs are poignant, and the music is diversified, some mellow and reflective, some just fun. Richard's music is story-telling at its best!

A Folk Tour De Force: Shindell's Poetic Magnum Opus.......2001-04-12

If anyone questions Richard Shindell's place in folk music, he/she need only listen to this glorious, passionate tour de force and all doubts will vanish. Shindell has created a collection of astounding beauty and heartfelt tenderness. With this cd, he has raised the poetic simplicity of "Blue Divide" to astonishing heights of insightful commentary (Confession, Transit), poetic wistfullness (Wisteria, Thr Grocers Broom), and sumptuous music (Spring, Merritt Parkway). This is some of the fimest folk music ever recorded. His warm vocals and depth of spirit will at once break your heart and make you shout on the rooftops for joy.

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