This New Century

Dan Reeder is one of those rare people who is an astute observer of life as it rolls by, and who has the ability to place it in a unique perspective, sometimes using an extraordinarily imaginative way of expressing it. He is sharp witted and not afraid to tackle subjects that are considered taboo, and use words that are clearly from the vernacular to express these thoughts (I know my editor would not like me to use in the review and probably would edit them out. I am also of two minds about using them though there is a time and place for everything.) In addition to his witty way of expression, there is also his way of recording his songs: he plays all the instruments, does all the voices, records it himself, produces it, and makes many of his own instruments (listen to his ravioli can guitar which sounds like a sitar played through some effects).

There is little mistaking a Dan Reeder recording, as he has a very signature sound that is there and clear and yet removed and far away. If that sounds confusing and contrary see if you can listen to particularly this recording and see if you don't agree. His songs vary a lot as to what they are about, however, on this record mortality seems to be a major theme, and he has let his expression of the more sexual side of life slide, though not completely. He is an interesting song writer who doesn't record quickly or much, tours even less, but has a very unique perspective. It might be fun, if he is in a good mood, to have a light meal with him, and listen to what he has to say about the state of the world. This is a disc that is out on John Prine's Oh Boy Records label, which in itself is a pretty good endorsement.

Track List:

Edited by: David N. Pyles
(dnpyles@acousticmusic.com)