Storyhill - Storyhill

Sometimes musical reunions are a good thing, and that is certainly the case with the acoustic harmonizing duo known as Storyhill. Storyhill is John Hermanson & Chris Cunningham (formerly known as Chris and Johnny). After taking a break in 1997, their fan base actually grew as loyal listeners spread the word online. Eventually, they decided to reunite in 2001 and began working on some new material.

I first heard these guys at an outdoor college festival in the mid 90’s. I’ve always been drawn to that “Simon and Garfunkel type” folk sound, and I remember really enjoying what I heard that day. It’s amazing how multifaceted a song can become with a couple guitars and harmonized melody lines.

I’ve owned and listened to a few of their previous albums, although none of them spoke to me as a whole the way their latest self titled album does. From the previous collections I remember, there were certain songs that stuck out as being radio worthy, but some of the others seemed to lack in dynamics and definitive melody. I’d often find myself skipping around to find my favorite tracks. With their newest album, I listen to it from beginning to end, and over and over again. I can’t pinpoint exactly what makes this one so different, but it draws me in and keeps me there for its entirety. For a while, I was unable to identify a favorite song, but now I’d have to say that "Love Will Find You" is my personal choice.

Storyhill’s unique sound and knack for sonic storytelling seems to have matured into who they are today. Some musicians start strong and whither, but this group seems to be gaining more momentum as artists the longer that they work at perfecting their craft.

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William Fitzsimmons - Until When We Are Ghosts

After having a few people asking me if I was related to this guy (since we share the same last name), I finally decided to give William’s music a listen.

There’s something very relaxing about his voice and recordings. There’s simplicity to his sound, although as you work your way through the album it’s easy to get lost in the subtle grooves being formed.

As I’m listening, I get that same feeling of sitting at a coffee shop with a talented singer-songwriter playing in the corner that I didn’t notice at first, but eventually draws me in to his craft and demands my full attention.

If you’re in the mood for something laid back and easy to chill to, check out this collection by William Fitzsimmons. And by the way, I’m not just endorsing it because he’s my unknown long lost relative. :)

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Andy Gullahorn - Reinventing the Wheel

Andy Gullahorn is a clever singer-songwriter who writes songs about real life with complete honesty.

Wow I think that's the deepest thing I've managed to write on Best Album of the Day thus far. All kidding aside, Reinventing the Wheel is an excellent album.

I previously mentioned Gullahorn in my review of Jeremy Casella's newest album. They are both part of a big group of musicians that put out some quality stuff. I've got some posts coming up that include more music from this group. (Check out The Rabbit Room sometime and you'll find some good recommendations)

Back to the point, I love this album. Being thirty years-old with a wife and kids allows me to really relate to many of the songs. The track "More of a Man" is totally me. Except for the part about rubbing deer blood on my face. Who does that, Andy?

"How Precious Life Is" is a great song that anybody who has had the life-altering experience of having kids will relate to. "Desperate Man" is something I listen to whenever my life seems to be running on fumes.

This album can be listened to straight through, no skipping necessary. It's real, it's melodic, and every song flows smoothly into the next one. "Give It Time" is a perfect closing track.

Musically it's mainly acoustic with some moments of orchestration, percussion, and other various non-electric instrumentation. Similar to my last post, this is not one you'll listen to when working out. Instead listen to it when you are in a contemplative mood. It will hit the spot.

Also, be sure to check out Andy Gullahorn's website. The man is a genius. Comedic genius that is. "The Drive With Andy" videos are awesome.

We'll have to book him for one of his famous house concerts someday. Given the current readership numbers for Best Album of the Day I'm sure we'd all fit in a standard size living room to hear him do his thing.

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Etienne De Rocher - Etienne De Rocher

I just listened to this album for the first time today. The phrase that came to mind as I listened to the first few songs was "locked in." De Rocher has the knack of letting songs build from almost nothing into a locked in groove, never letting go of the laid-back easy feeling that seems to be the core of most of the tracks on this album.

As for the sound itself, I'd say it's part Beck, part Elliot Smith, part Sam Roberts, and mostly something I can't quite put my finger on.

The opening track, "Meditation #C.O.B". will get your attention. That song sets the tone for the rest of the album through it's dynamic build. The drums on this track are perfect. Perfect tone, perfect groove. Though this album has an acoustic base, it does not fail to rock! Most of the songs rely on a solid guitar line for a starting point, and some are incredibly "down home" and bluesy.

The next track, "Juniper Rose", basically employs the same strategy as it's predecessor, though it's a much slower build. Overall, De Rocher's voice, guitar, and background blend very naturally and nothing ever sounds out of place on this album.

Other highlights include:

• "Big Black Wall" - cool little flute part
• "Bama Bino Goodbye" - super-original guitar line
• "The Lizard Song" - just because the lyrics crack me up

Etienne De Rocher has put an excellent album together here, and covers many stylistic bases. I imagine his songwriting skills and musicianship will take him far.