Search - Cyrus Faryar :: Islands

One of a Kind

Daniel Dropko | Vermilion, OH United States | 05/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are some albums, by some artists, that are so unique and compelling that they achieve a singular status. Faryar's first album is decent, and his work with the Modern Folk Quartet is also quite musical and satisfying. But "Islands" is like a mountaintop among low hills. Every cut is a gem. The styles drift from folk, to pop, to jazz, with incredible fluidity. Faryar's voice has an almost spiritual quality, and the lyrics are both literate and inspired. For me, the favorite is his cover of Fred Neil's "The Dolphins", but at one time or another every cut on this album has been a favorite. A lot of folks who love good songwriting and musicianship are going to love this disc. Unfortunately, for right now, the vagaries of the marketplace have the price fluctuating from 24 dollars (used) to 60 dollars and above, with a middle ground of around 30, if you can get it at all. That's a lot to risk on an unknown quantity, no matter how good I think it is. But take heart. Amazon is advertising it for 12.98 with an August, 2006 release date. If you can wait that long..."

"absolutely beautiful album"!!!!

tony browne | ENGLAND | 04/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hey , ..i've waited a long, long, LONG time for this 70's meisterwork to be finally released , on cd, ..hallelujah!!!!Cyrus Farryar, ..first saw his name on a Buffalo Springfield cover, i think, ...anyway , found a vinyl copy , in London, ooh 79, and quickly realised his absolute genius!!!..What a voice , ..what really great lyrics , what a fabulous all-round musician this guy was!!Comparable to the voice technique of , ooh , Tim Buckley, but really more Dino Valente or a Sal Valentino, or even L. Cohen , Farryar had a real genius in the lyrics department, grrreat, grreat words, and a totally unique way with his voice..mystical, pseudo-religious , neo-christian themes, at times, but always that eerie mystical voice that so captures the true listeners ears!!His 1st. album, eponymously self-titled , is also now released , on cd, a great album , too, it is, but his classic 2nd. release .."islands" to me remains a stone-cold classic amongst singer-sogwriters!!The thematic approach of this album , is beautitiful, "Ghosts", is a true, true delight, & the title track , "ISLANDS" , is really a gem song , of all time , so , so relaxing!!!This cd is an absolute MUST!!!!..TONY/ENGLAND"

One of a kind

Inky Toon | Miami, FL | 09/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i can't remember how this LP appeared in my collection way back when - I think someone recommended it to me because I was a Tim Buckley / Shawn Phillips fan - anyway, I played it - and played it - and played it - to this day, Islands remains one of the top 10 in my collection. In fact, it has grown more powerful over time - a wonderfully perfect musical experience that always takes me somewhere"