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    HM Magazine #92/The Singing Mechanic
    The Singing Mechanic — It Wouldn't Be What It Is cover

    The Singing Mechanic

    It Wouldn't Be What It Is

    (2001)

    Reviewed by Jason Dodd

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    Label Sounds FamilyreHM Magazine #92November/December 2001
    folkindie rocklo-fipiano rock

    Vincent Voss, "The Singing Mechanic," has instant cred just for being originally from Tacoma, WA. Well, that and he is a "discovery" of the one and only Daniel Smith, who is putting Voss' It Wouldn't Be What It Is CD LP out on the Danielson Famile's Sounds Familyre label. Voss is the piano guy you may have seen at the New Band Stage at this past Cornerstone. Comparisons to Ben Folds would be lazy and unfounded for the most part. Voss is more raw and vulnerable, and while his songs have a foot-stomping quality, they also rip your heart out. What with his voice always sounding like flowing tears and all. One whom appreciates affecting, spirited songs would be amiss to pass this disc by. In case you are curious, yes, he really is a full-time professional mechanic. He got his musical start by playing keyboard for Damien Jurado, and then opening for him with a few songs. People asked what his "band name" was and . . . well . . . you get the idea.

    Other coverage for this album

    The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Ken MuellerThe Singing Mechanic is Vincent Voss, a real live mechanic who has been performing professionally for about four years, working with the likes of Damien Jurado and Pedro the Lion, but he was "discovered" by Daniel Smith (Danielson Famile) earlier this year. The two decided to work together and the end result is this disc featuring members of the Danielson Familie, as well as others from Unwed…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Alex KlagesPiano music. For whatever reason, the piano doesn't seem to be as firmly entrenched as a rock instrument as the guitar is. However, this album demonstrates that the piano is just as valid a method of expression as any amount of overdriven and distorted guitars. This album is a pleasant blend of Danielson-like quirky tunes and some fine piano work on more conventional tunes. However, the…

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    Also in HM Magazine #92

    2001MarodDegree 40:32000Frank MarinoEye of the Storm2001Michael Knott / Noah RiemerMother Nation2001Tre9Marooned2001Space in Your FaceThe True Essence Of Life2001The OperationThere Is Hope For A Tree Cut Down