It is not commonplace in the Christian music industry that an artist can hold very moving music in one hand, sincere and poignant lyrics in the other, and to successfully integrate them. Sure, there are artists who produce emotionally-charged music, but the lyrics are weak and scripted, if not downright cheesy. Other artists write poetic and stirring lyrics, but their music leaves something to be desired.
Once in a while, however, an artist like David "Skatman" Meredith comes along and offers an album in which these two elements are happily combined. Some listeners may already be familiar with Skatman Meredith's acoustic-folk style from Dwarf Record's SAM compilation, while others may remember his previous cassette-only releases, Way of Life and Hope for Us.
Without question, acoustic guitar forms the backbone of Meredith's music in general, and this album is no different. Meredith alternates between strumming and picking, and between playing softly or more aggressively, as each song demands. The use of other instruments such as mandolins add to the "small town" folk atmosphere, and bring to mind a much more subdued Derek Lind. The track "Wise Move" begins with an old-fashioned church organ and ends with handclaps, while a song like "Sally Smith" incorporates a piano playing softly in the background. Mixed in with the more upbeat tunes are dark and haunting songs like "Blood on My Hands" with its Native-American style drum beat.
Meredith writes from a direct and personal perspective. His lyrics are not abstract or cryptic. In the album's opening track, "Strangest Places," Skatman sings:
I've seen love shooting through the sidewalk
At the feet of men and women waiting in line
At the mission just there around the corner
Beneath the cross lit by the rusting billboard sign
You can smell soup in the air and the hope amidst despair
You'll find love in the strangest places
Hand-in-hand with the easy-to-understand lyrics are very simple sentiments of thankfulness and praise to God. In "Wise Move," Meredith shares with the listener the fact that he is not only appreciative of his faith, but it was a decision that he does not regret:
Old and gray and black
I won't turn back to all the pain anymore
The answer seems more clear than before
I found the things I lacked
Other songs like the narrative "Sally Smith" deal with a young girl coming to grips with death and the introspective "Way of Life" reveals some personal thoughts about life in general:
My children learn the love of the family
Discipline fairly, but I'm quicker to praise
The bond of the Blood will be with them always
No matter miles traveled or number of days
This is the credo I use for myself:
Money is nice but it can't buy you wealth
Skatman's emotive voice assists in creating strong harmonies and complements the folkish melodies incredibly well. In places, his vocals are soothing and calm, reminiscent of Art Garfunkel. Of course, the fairly decent production on this album by Skatman and Mark Moss (who also plays bass guitar and slide guitars, mandolin, keyboards, and percussion on the album) helps in rendering crisp, clear vocals, and guitars.
Meredith's work is reminiscent of artists like Bruce Cockburn (whom Meredith specifically mentions as an influence) and the Vigilantes of Love. From songs like "Way of Love" come hints that Meredith may have been influenced by Bob Dylan. Fans of other acoustic acts such as Life in General, Pierce Pettis, and Jan Krist will appreciate Skatman Meredith, though Skatman's music leans much more heavily on the folk side rather than the rock side.
The gem of the album is song eleven, "Bitter End." Not only does this song exemplify who and what Skatman Meredith is, but it is indeed one of those tunes which touch the soul by offering encouragement, understanding, and hope. "Bitter End" is a simple song, and its beautiful and powerful chorus conveys and re-affirms a simple truth for the believer:
And there'll be no bitter end
And there'll be no bitter end
With Jesus by your side
With Jesus as your friend
He'll lift you when you're down
He'll wear your thorny crown
And in your darkness of despair
He's gonna shine for you there
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Shari LloydSkatman Meredith makes good acoustic folk music. The original songs are interesting, well produced, feature impeccable technique and a pleasant voice with just enough buzz to suggest intensity. He writes well without the preachy didactics so common to self-produced first projects. My problem with Skatman Meredith is all the contentment. His ability to live a prudent, balanced life is admirable,…Similar sounding releases
2000Martyn JosephThunder and Rainbows
2000Michael KrahnThe Weight of Glory
1994Life in GeneralLong Forgotten Toys
1993Randy StonehillStories
1993Bruce CockburnChristmas
2004Bill MalloneeDear Life
