Search - Abandon Jalopy :: Mercy

A Gifted Musician......

Anonymous | Chattanooga, Tennessee United States | 07/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brad Smith is in my opinion the most under appreciated artist in music today. He has the ability to write beautiful music and sing incredible lyrics which everyone can connect to. Brad is remembered chiefly for writing Blind Melon's "No Rain", but if one listens to other songs he has written, they will realize just how gifted a musician he is. On "Abandon Jalopy" Brad Smith is nothing short of brilliant. Each song takes you into a completely different world that will leave you awestruck in its conclusion. It is impossible to single out a single track. If you are looking for a cd which has more than just catchy beats or cliche lyrics than by this. It is more than just music. This cd has serious depth."

Working Through It

Matthew Ridgway | Grand Rapids, Michigan United States | 02/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Abandon Jalopy's mercy is not a CD to be taken lightly.
As most reviewers stated Brad Smith is indeed late of Blind Melon, one of , if not the most underappreciated bands of the 90's.
Smith's vocal range/ability is a bit of a distraction on the disk. Though he hits his notes just fine and attempts some very unique stuff his voice, despite all the years of experience, doesn't project particularly well and I wonder if this has more to do with the original recording process than anything else. This will not impede your enjoyment of the music whatsoever, I guess I was just a bit shocked either by the mix or the ability, I don't know which.
Still, Smith delivers a record that is quite unlike anything currently being done while being refreshingly loyal to his southern roots and sensabilities. It is obvious where much of what I consider to be the 'overblown' B.M. arrangements comes from, Smith reaches far often going from quiet guitar introspection to grandiose orchestra arrangements and back again without even a change in tempo. This may result in music that's a bit schizophrenic at times, and may alienate listeners who are more 'hook prone'.
I must admit that I am slowly, but surely, ingesting the disk. Not everything blew me away at first listen, but the disk is slowly revealing itself and the journey seems well worth it. Smith uses very unique phrases and lyrics, peppered with wry humor and honest observation. I wish Brad had included a few liner notes regarding each song, it's genesis and all. Smith strikes me as the type of guy you'd love to spend an evening talking with, much in the same way Hoon seemed to connect with people on a very real/genuine level.
Be aware however, that this Cd as a musical statement, is all Brad, and though a few ex Meloner's appear as well as others, the disk definitely has a 'solo' tone throughout.
I wouldn't count on any tour to support it, though if he does I'm there!"

I HAD NO IDEA

steve | usa | 12/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Album is an amazing suprise. I knew from articals that Brad Smith wrote alot of the songs for Blind Melon, but had no idea how strong his writting actually is. "On the Blink" is song that grabs you with a combination of hypnotic guitar and an amazingly methodical voice."She's An Original" featuring "The Squirel Nut Zippers" reminds me of the opening bit in the Blind Melon "Soup" record.This album is "Root Filled" with many moods transcended throughout the entire record.I look forward to the next record from this band."