Search - Cory Branan :: The Hell You Say

A Lake of Gasoline

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Cory Branan's "The Hell You Say" is a fresh sound in the singer/songwriter genre. "Miss Ferguson" pops like a Mellencamp classic with a wildly original lyric, "She comes around at midnight like a Sunday afternoon with a purpose & a manner like a needle & a spoon, a bad thing waitin' round to happen like a lake of gasoline, the way that woman does me is just like nothing I've ever seen." "Jolene" is a good rocking track. It might be kind of hard to see how this Southaven, Mississippi man used to front a Black Sabbath covers band, but it isn't hard on a slow ballad like "Tame" to see that he has been impressed by the music of John Prine. "Love Song 8" deals with serious themes of domestic violence. "American Dream" is a sad dirge of innocence lost. Branan references Burger King, fake tattoos & the tilt-a-whirl in the lovely ballad, "Crackerjack Heart," "It's the way you taste like a storm rolling in across the bed, the way you answer me with those eyes, speaking volumes about things unsaid." Branan channels John Prine on "Troublesome Girl," "Goodbye Abilene; I leave my everything to the care of the West Texas moon." "Whiskey Grove" is a marvelously heartfelt and touching slow acoustic tune. This set ends with the strong "Closer" with Branan's aching lonesome vocal. Branan's music is original, more lyrically than melodically oriented that is pervaded by a sense of sadness, something not quite at peace in the American dream. It's as disquietingly beautiful as it is quiet and lyrical. Enjoy!"

The Hell I do Say!

T. Blondes | 05/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This man is truly an artist...in an industry where they put out such terrible "music" by "artists"...most of it is hype, but this guy is the real deal. you won't get tired of these songs...they really touch your heart and your funny bone.
Don't hesitate to buy this album, you'll be so glad you did. Looking forward to the release of his new album this fall."

Great album, nice guy

T. Blondes | 08/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record personifies good Memphis music. Go to the Beale Street Music Fest next May and see Cory perform. Cory is the quintessential Renaissance man...he's a musician, a poet, and a painter. That is all obvious after hearing this recording. It is sweet, raw music...like what you would hear at music festivals.He is a brilliant songwriter...well, a brilliant writer in general. He gave a fun performance on Letterman too. I went to High School with Cory, and I always knew he would be making music for a living one day. Mr. Creative."