Paul Curreri’s new album California has a dress code. It consists of old comfortable jeans and a worn cowboy style shirt which may or may not contain stripes or plaid. His album is also best heard when driving in an old dodge, circa 1970’s, across the plains of the Midwest. Like the car you’re driving, California feels like it may break down at times but not in the bad “you’re stuck on the side of the rode and going to be eaten by coyotes” way. Its “breakdown” comes in the way the music is striped to only the essential sounds needed. Rusty is a beautiful word when describing this album. The opening track, “Now I Can Go On”, plays like the band is in your living room. The brilliant simple production, by Paul Curreri, makes it sound as if you are listening to the raw first takes of his songs. His voice comes off so wonderfully raw that it hits you somewhere deep in your soul and leaves you wondering why this is the first time you have felt this way.
The album sounds refreshingly simple although a close listen reveals there is a lot going on to make it sound simple. Take into consideration that every note of music you hear is being played by Paul Curreri. The only exception is the beautifully done cover of Michael Hurley’s “Wildgeeses” in which Paul gets some help on guitar and piano from his wife, Devon Sproule,. “Here Comes Another Morning” is a rollicking spoken/song song that just keeps moving and was made to listen to while driving. The drums beat like an engine that moves the song along while the droning guitar sounds like a turn signal you may have left on miles ago. “Tight Pack Me Honey” has a beautiful piano that seems to sound like rain slowly falling and is almost Zen-like when accompanied by Paul’s voice.
California is an album that begs to be played straight through till the end without interruptions. Paul Curreri has set a new standard for singers, songwriters and anyone else who wants to pick up and acoustic guitar and try to create an atmosphere.
Key Tracks: Now I Can Go On, Wildgeeses, Once Upon a Rooftop
Doug Morrissey- Muzikreviews.com Staff
June 5, 2010
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