Eric Himan - Dark Horse (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

GrownUpMusic.com recommended!

Larry Harris | Los Angeles, Nirvana | 06/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With a voice like Cat Stevens, inked arms a la Tommy Lee and a guitar style akin to fellow indie artist Ani DeFranco, Eric Himan is an angry young man on a mission. Perhaps "angry" is a bit strong, since he only strums like an angry young man in stark contrast to his deeply personal and vulnerable lyrics. But if you're looking for an original voice in the latest crop of 20something schlocksters, Himan is your man. He rocks. He rockabillies. But perhaps the most poignant moment on Himan's new record is his only cover: the Simply Red soul ballad "Holding Back the Years," which - in his skillful hands and simple production - breathes new life into the hauntingly beautiful classic. Himan is like the stray junk yard dog you want to adopt. He's scrappy on the outside, gentle on the inside, and ultimately irresistable."

A "must have" for any CD collection

John L. Hulsey | San Diego, CA United States | 08/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I like every kind of music, from pop to classical to rock to blues... and yes, even country. I can appreciate a good song, regardless of the genre. This CD, though, slides across genres, refusing to fall into a single style. The one constant is Eric's passion. It's in the lyrics, the music, and the voice. This guy is more than a singer. He is an incredible entertainer. (I have seen him twice, and will definitely see him again.)

Specifically on this CD, his songwriting is witty, clever, and personal. The opening track describes the one-up, one-down of a relationship, saying "if I'm your habit, you're my curse." And the plea to be seen as he is now, for good or bad, is eloquently played out in "Throw away the past."

Buy this CD. And don't let it out of your sight. Friends will borrow it, and you will never see it again!"

One of my favorite singers right now

K. Alvarado | portland,Or | 06/18/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I read an article about Eric and he seemed very interesting. He had a good attitude and seemed very intelligent. I looked him up on i-tunes and ended up buying his stuff. When I heard Dark Horse was coming out I was pretty happy. I live in Los Angeles and looked everywhere for his CD. Just buy it from Amazon. I never found it in the stores. Was it worth it? Yes. Eric has a really unique voice and I mean that literally. It is just different. His songs are so true to people emotions. I love finding new artists and spreading them around to people. You can only listen to Britney so many times without needing to find some quality. His music is kind of dark in places and the genres run from blues to rock. Great stuff. I can't wait to see him in concert."

Loving the dark horse

Kenneth | Gastonia, NC United States | 05/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The more I know about "mainstream" music the more I love the independent artist. One listen to this album supports my belief in that first statement. I recently saw Eric perform live in Charlotte after reading a bit about him online, in a magazine and a local newspaper. From what I read, I was hoping I could connect to the music and lyrics. I did! Before the show I approached him and he was pleasant, down to earth and just geniune.

The album is great! Start out listening to the familiar "Holding Back The Years." It is a great introduction and he carries it well and you remember why you like that song and begin to like Eric. Great voice, great lyrics, great music! There is the funky "White Horse" which anyone can relate if you have every been "lookin'" for love. It is a nice upbeat hopeful track. "Stranded" has the hooks to be a number hit. The guitar work and voice shine on this song. We all have our "Habit/Curse" which Eric sings about so eloquently. My favorite is the hidden track!

Basically all of the 11 tracks are worthy of release and radio play if there is a radio station deserving of such quality music. I can't wait to get his earlier releases now!!!"

Not Just Another Pretty Face

Godwhacker | Florida | 12/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recently, I read a small spot in a magazine about Eric Himan. My first reaction was to dismiss him as another one of today's "all about appearance, no substance" artists. Then my "inner voice" said, "give the guy a chance". Always listen to your inner voice. Eric Himan is one of a new generation of singer-songwriters who have broke free of the corporate chains that bind much of today's popular music in a prison of mediocrity. He is far more substance then appearance.

To call him a new artist would be wrong. "Dark Horse" is his forth release, but is the first of his albums that has a real studio feel to it. It is also his first release to include a cover song, a beautiful rendition of Simply Red's "Holding Back the Years". The rest of Dark Horse is all original material, and what prodigious material it is.

While his earlier albums are excellent, they are stripped down productions that rely on Eric's soulful voice and vibrant guitar playing for the backbone of their sound. The production on Dark Horse is rich and lush without being over produced. There are also a greater variety of styles on this album.

The country twang of "White Horse" is great. Every time I hear this song, I picture it being played in a conservative western bar with the progressive play on sexuality in the lyrics going right over the heads of the oblivious toe tapping patrons. "Brown Fog" is a tender, heart-rending, soul-searching ballad that has the jazzy feel of a late night barroom. You can almost see the smoke in the air. Needles to say, "until the music stops, I will listen"."

Search - Eric Himan :: Dark Horse

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	Eric Himan Dark Horse Genres: Folk, Pop, Rock Track Listings (10) - Disc #1 Habit/Cure Have Me Clyde White Horse Holding Back the Years - Eric Himan, Hucknall, Mich Aimlessness Stranded Listen Throw Away the Past In the Brown Fog
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