[FM] New Peter Mulvey release

[rbhoff@voicenet.com]

Peter Mulvey has a new CD out (on Signature Sounds), called The 
Trouble With Poets, and this is certainly something that Peter 
should know about!

A full review of this CD should be posted on Rambles.net sometime 
soon, but here are a few of the highlights.

The writing on this record is really extraordinary.  Peter and David 
"Goody" Goodrich are co-writers on nine of the eleven tracks and 
their partnership -- both in writing and in performing -- is a great 
one. There is a lot to listen to, and a lot to ponder in these songs.

Take, for example, "Words Too Small To Say," which alludes to an 
empty space created by the decline of traditional faith.  The 
description of what we are left with is striking, astonishing as it 
conveys so much in just a few short, sad lines:

"a bottle of pills / for twenty-five bucks a week / and all that you 
seek / and all that is hunting you down / recedes to the sound of a 
dull roar / but you are up off the floor / and not so unsteady /
ready?  swallow the first one"

And check out the unusual mix on the refrain on this one.

Mulvey hasn't started writing joyful, perky songs himself, but this 
CD has enough variety to keep listeners interested.  There's even a 
jaunty little tune called "You Meet the Nicest People in Your 
Dreams."  Peter & Goody didn't write it, but it's a treat to hear, 
especially Goody's great mandolin.  Other songs are funky, 
paranoia-filled, tender, or sarcastic.  One of my favorites, called 
"Home," is surprisingly lovely and gentle and warm:

    "come on inside / shake off the cold 
    / all right / ah, steady now / steady 
    now / steady now / welcome home"

"Home" is a quieter number, but you'll hear a full band sound on 
some songs, and Goody, an exceptional instrumentalist who also 
produced, contributes enormously to the music on a variety of 
instruments. Other musicians on the record include: Lou Ulrich on 
bass, Mike Piehl on drums, and Chris Smither and Jennifer Kimball 
taking some turns on backing vocals.  

Worth hearing.

Robin

rbhoff@voicenet.com                      NJ, USA
Robin's Nest House Concerts
http://www.voicenet.com/~rbhoff     
Princeton Folk Music Society     
http://www.princetonol.com/groups/pfms/

Someone offered Descartes a cup of tea.  
He said, "I think not."  And disappeared.