[FM] CD REVIEW: Mike Agranoff "Or Would You Rather Get A Job?"

[Alan Rowoth]

I had the pleasure of picking up Mike Agranoff's new CD "Or Would You
Rather Get A Job?" at the NERFA conference.

Let me say this first, Mike Agranoff is a total professional. On this CD he
proves that he is a very capable producer, performer, singer, songwriter,
poet, storyteller, and multiinstrumentalist. He seems equally at home on
guitar, harmonica, concertina, and piano. His vocal interpretations are
crisp and articulate, delivered with precision and panache. 4 of the cuts
were recorded live at various venues.

Mike delivers a mix of 14 originals, covers and traditional tunes with
verve, honesty, and good humor. Everything about this recording is
immaculate, well planned and executed. That may make it sound a little
stiff, but it doesn't come off that way, the album as a whole has a really
nice flow to it. The funny stuff is *real* funny and the closing story "The
Ballad of Jake and 10-Ton Molly" was my favorite cut on the record,
humorous and poignant all at the same time.

The arrangements are as lean and sinewy as the man himself with no wasted
fat or fluff. The material selected provides an ideal showcase for Mike's
various talents. The overall tone of this album is very much in the folk
tradition. My personal listening tastes lean more towards pop, jazz, and
the contemporary singer/songwriter sound, but this recording was so well
executed that I couldn't help but enjoy it from beginning to end.

"Or Would You Rather Get A Job" was self released. For more info on Mike
and his music, you can visit his website at http://www.mikeagranoff.com or
phone 973-335-9489 during civilized hours.
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Alan Rowoth          | "It was like the whole world was a big hourglass
alan@folkmusic.org   |  Top is like the future, bottom like the past
315.457.0310 ext 143 |  And at that narrow part, where only one grain can pass
Liverpool Public Lib.|  Is the ever-living moment
310 Tulip Street     |  And I want to understand
Liverpool NY 13088   |     That simple grain of sand."
708-570-6529 alan fax|                       "Big Hourglass" - LJ Booth