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Take the songwriting prowess of Simple Minds, mix in some
Latin language and rhythmic flavor, toss with the pop sensibilities
of Roxy Music, and wrap it in a supremely well-produced
tortilla of sound… what are you left with? The brilliant
musical burrito called Lou Black. On City Of No Winter,
the other Mr. Black creates a rich tapestry of pop music that
slides in and out of heavier rock passages and into light Spanish
sabor tracks. The album is chock full of beautiful songs that
ease one into a state of blissful relaxation. A nice change from
much of the agro stuff going on these days in popular music.
The hooks begin to flow from the opening drumbeat of "Searching
For A Land Of Love", a mid-tempo track that serves as a great
introduction to Lou Black. Breaking out his Tom Waits'
style vocalization on "Dave Says", Black showcases not
only his penchant for excellent storytelling lyric, but also his
diverse range of vocal styles. "Oh Amor" is the first
hit of Spanish language on the record, recalling more of the Bryan
Ferry glory days in instrumentation and timbre of sound. The
songs floats lightly along, tinged with bright acoustic guitars
and accenting piano bits. And this is Spanish I can actually understand.
I like that. "Patience Of Saints" is instantly familiar
to the ear, and will leave you wondering where you've heard the
track before. I think it is simply because it so readily recalls
a particular Roxy Music track, but regardless, it's a beautiful
song with delicate vocal harmonies and clean acoustic guitars.
Want some new pop music? Than this is the place to go. City
Of No Winters is a joyous trip through a musical land full
of intense beauty and varying landscapes. Black's vocals are brilliant
and lend an even more intense depth to what is already a solid
musical foundation.
-L. Keane
Track Listing:
1. Searching For A Land Of Love
2. Dave Says
3. Oh Amor
4. Patience Of Saints
5. Helping Hand
6. The City Of No Winters
7. Do you Ever Think About Me?
8. Ode To Backbay
9. I Go Insane
10. Whipper Snapper
11. The Doctor Won't Help Me
12. Every Night
Dave Says (unplugged)
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