In the liner notes of the pre-release, this album is described as "a surprising collage of diverse artists compiled and produced by Charlie Peacock." I'd agree with that summary, though there really should have been some emphasis put on the last part of that statement. Charlie Peacock's famous (or, to some, infamous) signature is all over this album. It's in the guitar chords, the bass lines, the lyrics, the background, and even the lead vocals. If you're looking for proof that the "Charlie Peacock stamp" really exists, here it is.
But there's still the first part of that statement. "A surprising collage of diverse artists." Diverse artists with diverse styles. This compilation definitely shows off that aspect as well.
The album kicks off with Sarah Masen's "All Fall Down." This alternative/pop song has a great hook in the chorus, and, to make a very long story short, is just a great song. Charlie Peacock follows with a song that may very well be destined for #1 on the Christian rock charts. "Insult Like The Truth" combines alternative guitar roles, poppy strings, and techno keyboard programming. The result is a very cool new style that I would really like to see more of.
Joey Richey has a voice similar to Scott Krippayne, another one of Charlie Peacock's productional clients. "Can't Take It With You" combines R&B with pop into a pleasing mix. This song is one of the better songs on the album. Karen Bradley follows with "Wildpatch." Her contribution is a very original jazz song. She has a nice voice, but she puts a "bite" on almost all of her words. For those of you who aren't quite sure what I mean when I say "bite," think Rebecca St. James or new Reunion Records artist Susan Shurtz.
Probably the most original song on this project is "Again And One Mo' Time" by Aaron Smith. Smith is not a singer; he talks over the music in a style that could be compared to Carman, but that is a very loose comparison. Smith is extremely original. He tells an original story over an amazing improv-sounding traditional jazz score. Smith has a great speaking voice, with a lot of jazz flavor.
"adeeperkindajoy" runs in a close second for that "most original song" title, if not tying for first; it's a variation of the ska music that is yet to really make its way to the forefront of either Christian or mainstream music. Then again, it's not all that original. ensemblepossible borrows the song partially from a classical song (no, I'm not going to tell you which one, I want you to be surprised!), "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee," and "Joy to the World." I'm not quite sure what I think of this song. EnsemblePossible's female lead vocalist bellows out the verses, which really sounds bad, but the majority of the music is very good. Notice I say the majority. Some of it makes me wonder if this group failed music theory or if Charlie Peacock fell asleep on his keyboard (or maybe both).
Sarah Hart, the second Sarah on this disk, delivers a less original song, which is not to say it's any less entertaining. "Falling To Ashes" is done in a Joanna Carlson-like style with simple orchestration and emphasis on Hart's quiet vocals, though not as quiet as those of Carlson. Her beautiful, pure voice delivers some very poetic lyrics:
Back to my childhood Home once again ... Back to the house With the white picket fence And the barefoot soil Where I buried my innocence
I could continue with a song-by-song analysis of the entire album, but I don't think that's necessary. I really think that there is a little something on this disc for just about any musical taste. If you enjoy pop music (I thought almost every song on here was a fusion of "something" and pop) and Charlie Peacock's production style, I think you ought to pick up this CD. It is the most diverse, most appealing, and best compilation CD I've seen so far this year.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse December 1996Reviewed by Rob Szarkaone point oh is billed as "a surprising collage of diverse artists," which is a bit of an overstatement; but unquestionably this is an excellent disc that should be near the top of your shopping list this summer. Charlie Peacock has never impressed me as a solo artist, though he's a competent musician, but his reputation as a talented producer is well-deserved. It's as a producer and aspiring…
