Everyone You Hold Part II
Alan Burant | Edmonton, Canada | 06/24/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Hammill's recent recording, None of the Above, follows the pattern of his 1997 release, Everyone You Hold. Subdued, but excellent songwriting.The CD does not contain as many catchy hooks as Everyone You Hold or have the soundscapes between the songs. So, the album isn't as accessible. I personally feel the first half of this recording is much better than the second half, with Touch and Go, How Far I Fell and Somebody Bad Enough being my favourite tunes. Lyrically, Somebody Bad Enough seems to be "Energy Vampires" (from The Future Now) Part 2 except this time Hammill takes the perspective of the obsessive fan within the lyric.The second half tends to miss the mark sometimes musically. The songs search hard in trying to find a melody, but fall a little short. However, the closer "Astart" is quite good but could have used some better production and a better sounding piano keyboard! So, all in all, a decent effort but not as strong as Everyone You Hold, which in my books is one of Hammill's finest."
Another "be calm" cd from Hammill
Alan Burant | 06/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I would compare this newest outing from master hammill to several of his past CD's: mainly "Everyone you hold", a little "X my Heart" and some of " This". All songs are quiet and introspective. He plays all instruments except for a couple of songs, and even his two daughters, both accomplished singers, appear here. This is not one of his best records, i must admit; it lacks a little strength and passion in my opinion. It contains several excellent compositions and a few dull ones. Anyway, it is well worth as for Hammill fans."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1