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From deep in South Dakota’s Black
Hills, Hank Harris delivers HERE a diverse, blues-flavored album
of twelve interesting tunes that touch on many long- forgotten
genres, but still maintain a sense of coherence. Harris has no
use for much of today’s music, and HERE, his second album,
could have just as easily come out of the late seventies as from
the dawn of the 21st Century. It’s cheesy and
uncool, but not without its moments.
If anyone can solidify the
oxymoron "happy blues," it’s Hank Harris. Instead of
the slow, depressing drudges that characterize much of the
genre, Harris’s Blues are Blues only in form. Much of the
lyrical content is elated and uplifting, keeping the mind at
ease while the singer’s pleasant voice keeps the ear happy.
HERE is awash with organ, hand clapping, electric sitar,
saxophone, Bluesy guitar, and tranquil vocals. The songs are as
diverse as United Nations meeting. The genres range from Latin
to Blues to lounge music to Country and even some 80’s rock
and a little white girl Rap. HERE could easily play like a
compilation album if not for the consistent (and mostly
pleasing) vocals.
The album’s opener, "New
Religion", is a showcase of the band’s diverse
instrumentation, dense arrangements, and warm, standout vocals.
Some of Harris’s vocal harmonies are downright beautiful.
Lines like "She’s my MSG and my formaldehyde" keep
listeners interested and wondering what exactly the hell Harris
is talking about. "Things Change" brings to mind early
Bryan Adams or Bruce Springsteen. A quick read of the liner
notes makes it so much easier to figure out all the instruments
you’re hearing than to try and decipher them for yourself
(what is a Moon Guitar or a Synth Sax Bass anyway?).
On "Lies of Love,"
Harris takes a stab (rather unsuccessfully) at Latin pop, with
the song’s heavily filtered talking guitar and signature
offbeat staccato choral blips. "Cry Wolf" is a perfect
example of the happy acoustic blues that Harris is so good at,
featuring some guitar work that’s interesting if not
impressive.
On "Things Change",
Harris declares, "There is nothing I can say that has not
been heard. Not a single thought, not a single word."
Though this isn’t a completely accurate parallel for
Harris’s music, it still hits close to home. Harris is good at
what he does, though he is perhaps a few decades behind. The
album is well produced and enjoyable, but lacks the intensity
and freshness that a new album should have. However, if you,
like Harris and/or have little use for modern music, you may
find some use in this album.
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| Artist |
Hank Harris |
| Title |
Here |
| Label |
Sunbunny Records |
| Reviewer |
Shelby Rushing |
| Rating |
 |
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| website |
www.hankharris.com |
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