Search - Ridley Bent :: Blam

The rebirth of lyricism

adam pw smith | Vancouver | 05/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been in a funk over the state of music lately. Too much empty-headed entertainment. No one seems to be able to tell a story any more. Enter Ridley Bent. I have been hearing his name around Vancouver since I returned last year. A site came across my path with the lyrics to Suicidewinder on it:
I'm Johnny Cash when I'm drinkin',
I'm the Clash when I'm thinkin'
I'm Mad Max when I'm drivin',
I'm Mike Diamond when I'm rhymin'
I'm Humphrey Bogart when I'm smokin',
I'm Bob Marley when I'm tokin
And in bed when I'm dreamin'
I'm a guitar slingin' demon.Now first of all that's quite a set of names to drop. And to understand that The Clash was music intended to make you think is evidence that he's seeing beyond "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" Besides that, this reads like a reader's digest version of my record collection.I tracked down more of his music and was steadily and steadfastly sucked in.Bent will be referred to as "Hick Hop", but don't let that mislead you. Yes, the hip hop and country influences are in evidence, but listen further and you'll also hear echos of Tom Waits and Pete Seeger, mixed with humour, aggression, affection, and just plain smarts. The rhythms are clear and infectious, without being overbearing. This is a man who is not to be underestimated. It is the most interesting, enjoyable, and tasty piece of work I've heard in a long time. Succumb to your curiosity and you'll be amply rewarded."