Search - Peter Stuart :: Propeller

Peter propels himself into a new, singular stratosphere...

08/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When the band 'Dog's Eye View' scored a AAA radio smash a few years ago with 'Everything Falls Apart,' much of the credit belonged to the snappy songwriting hooks and unique vocal stylings of lead Peter Stuart. When Peter made the decision to step out on his own and explore the possibilities, 'Propeller' apparently came quite naturally to his artistic sensibilities. 'Propeller' is a spacious, highly personal, hard-to-resist effort by an artist who is giving his own "upbeat-angst" spin on the pitfalls of love. The arrangements kick-start almost every song with an uptempo delight that belies the fact that Peter is often singing about romantic annihilation. That's what makes his brand of rock-folk-pop so rewarding: no one else seems to take such outward, giddy pleasure in singing about the ... we all face in the harrowing world of relationships. The tracks flow along seamlessly in both mood and concept...Stuart never loses focus here. His ear for a smart melody is well-tuned, particularly on lead single 'With My Heart in Your Hands' (a jaunty-yet-plaintive rockin' plea for relief from a hard-to-understand lover). Stuart speaks of ideals both bright and dark, recovered and lost on the track 'Innocence,' another highlight of this strong first solo effort. All in all, the effect of the record takes Peter in a highly individual new direction, but one that should have a far longer shelf-life than 'Dog's Eye View,' because he's spinning his own songcraft here, and speaking his mind with freedom. This record will sink-in deep. By the way...it's one of the best "driving" CDs you'll hear in awhile. Put the windows down, pop 'Propeller' into the CD player, and tap those fingers against the wheel. You'll be glad you did."

Very cool guy!

K. Steinmeyer | Madison, Wisconsin United States | 10/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i didn't even know of Peter until i had the pleasure of hearing him live. i was at a mason jennings/jason mraz concert and Peter Stuart was the opening guy. which is a pity because i liked him a LOT more than jason mraz and mason jennings and it would've been awesome to hear a full set. while peter has that typical single-guy pop sometimes-out-of-tune voice, it's still great and i adore his lyrics. my best friend is obsessed with Dog's Eye View and from what i've heard, i think i like DEV better than Peter solo, but they are somewhat different sounds. i love this guy and i bought his CD right away at the concert i was at. DEFINITELY worth a listen!!!"

Sizzling Freshman Set

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Stuart's freshman set sizzles on "Propeller." As the veteran of 2 CDs with Dog's Eye View, Stuart had experience that was augmented when he went solo opening for Live, Counting Crows & Paula Cole. His songs have also been recorded by Bon Jovi & Go-Go's. "Take Me Back" is a peppy driving midtempo rocker that sounds like a radio song. "Propeller Girl" has an unusual lyric about the girl that spins him around. Stuart's vocals are expressive and aching on the ballad "Innocence," "There's a preacher on the corner, I just walk away, he's throwing grace all around the place, am I too far gone to say I think I had good intentions." "Vertigo" mixed by Tom Lord Alge is a sweet midtempo track with crisp drums, "I will let you take me into thin air, take this fear called love, tell me that you're here & there & there's nothing to be scared of." The ballad "Let's Get Lost" is a great vocal performance with Mark Isham's trumpet giving the track a distinctive flavor. "Songs About You" written with Peter Case is a happy lighthearted track with a silly little chorus that puts a smile on your face. "The Real You" gets a good thumping groove going with an insistent bass line. The CD concludes with a string-laden weeper where Stuart's vocals resemble the trembling emotion of Glen Phillips from Toad the Wet Sprocket. "Propeller" is an extremely strong set with consistently strong material. This is one you don't want to let slip away. Enjoy!"