Album review: Blue Stone by Chris Dane Owens

Yay, I've finally taken the time to do a listen through of CDO's Blue Stone. Very delinquent of me, I know.

Blue Stone is, to put it very simplistically, a collection of non-offensive pop in the classic 3 min. + change variety. It's reminiscent to some degree of nineties pop. It's a bit like Bryan Adams, but cutting back on the syrup. The songs contain a solid, but fairly conventional rhythm section. Kind of formulaic in song structure, "Verse/Chorus/Middle eight/Break, fade/just listen", to quote Morrissey, but I like that. In fact one of the reasons I don't like Mariah Carey's "Obsessed" is because the verses just roll into the chorus and it bothers me. Also, auto tune.

BAM, lightening round!
The opening "Light Speed" is a fast-paced opener going on into the slightly rockier "World Turns Round".

"Do You Believe in Miracles?" I freaking love this song. I'm a sucker for lines like "Catch your breath/and hold on tight." I don't care how much cheese was used in the manufacture of this song. Also, the repeated "I feel you" makes me contrast this song to Depeche Mode's song by that name.

"Here She Comes" - GLOCKENSPIEL? or am I imagining things? Either way cute.

"Shine On Me" stands out because I know almost every note and frame from the song and music video. Also stands out because there's some funky elements, whoo.

"Superhuman" - 1 of 2 techno songs. Nineties-flavored techno. Vaguely reminds me of a track off this compilation. WEIRD.

"Lost At Sea" like the first song on Side B if we still thought of albums like this. Reminds me of "Sailing".

"Love Is Blind" - I tuned out a bit on this song because it's past my bedtime, but there's a "crown of thorns" mention so I'm going to say this song is about Jesus. Apologies if I'm way off.

"Pure" I always sing along with "Now you take your first step/like it was your last breath" but I don't know the rest of the words.

"Wicked", techno part 2 - vocalizations and a "chunga-chunga-chungetty-chunga" guitar riff. I used to like "Superhuman" but now I prefer this one.

"Bleed" I'm a bit unfamiliar with this song because by this point customers come in and I have to help them so I always miss it. No opinion.

I give this album a 3.5 out of 5. It fills a niche for feel good music that's not challenging in the slightest. Great for homework, chilling, and possibly knitting. It would have higher marks if it was more cohesive in style, tone, but I don't fault Owens at all because it's all good stuff and I assume he's still working on a songwriting style.

Blue Stone on CDBaby
CDO's site
Also available at itunes and Amazon

Tomorrow I'll post my interview with CDO!

The Enthusiastic Recommendation: Dirk Wears White Sox

Dirk Wears White Sox (1979) was the first LP released by Adam and the Ants. This features a pre-Marco Pirroni Adam and the Ants lineup and the difference is evident when comparing Kings of the Wild Frontier and Prince Charming with Dirk.

I love the post-punk imagery - playing with fetishism ("Whip In My Valise") and politically charged lyrics. Adam used to perform in bondage gear and I think he wore a gimp mask at some point. The sound is much heavier and slower than the more New Wave-y sound of later Adam and the Ants and yet it is still catchy as hell.

One song is both fun AND educational! "Catholic Day" can work as a way to remember which year JFK was assassinated - "Kennedy died in '63/Poor John F.-" - and thus unable to continue turning on the middle-aged ladies or playing with Monroe.