| Thompson Street - Brady Seals | |
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Reviewed by Jennifer Webb
For six years Brady Seals played keyboards, wrote songs, and sang with country group Little Texas. After his run of being a member of the band, he left to pursue a solo career. Though previous solo albums were definitely country, this time he has donned an image of wearing funky shades and retro clothes which is a precursor to what his latest album sounds like.
Brady has his artistry all over the ten tracks, writing soley or co-writing all of the songs, playing various instruments, and even doing some arrangements. Rodney Crowell produced the album and co-wrote two songs: "Things Have Gotta Change," and "Soon."
At the beginning of the title track, "Thompson Street," there is some noise and a car door slamming shut before the groovy sounding music begins to start. Missing his lady friend so much, the guy wants the taxi driver to step on the gas so he can get some lovin'. A special bonus of hundred dollar bills will go to the driver if he disregards the pesky red lights.
"Soon," with its middle-of-the-road tempo, is about promising better things for the future. "We'll be free to do just what we please," Brady sings throughout the tune. The message is that if we keep on fighting the battle against hunger and other problems we will eventually persevere.
Sounding like something "far out" and futuristic with all of the programming in the beginning of the music, "Breakin' Down" is about a tough guy that finally gives in to his own weaknesses - especially the woman in his life. The walls he has built around himself are coming down because he feels like she is the only one for him.
Although the lyrics could have been written by anyone, "Let Me Be Your Man" has the added bonus of a string arrangement, which is something that always adds to any song. Though the man in the song cannot promise the moon and stars, he wants to be the one she choses to stay with for the rest of their lives.
Musically reminiscent of Sheryl Crowe's "All I Wanna Do," the similarly titled "All I Want" has some attitude in it along with an old 1960's sounding chorus. This song would have a perfect place in a discotheque with a bright and shiny disco ball hanging on the ceiling.
Closing out the album in style with a featured penny whistle, "Our Last Goodbye" is something that everybody dreads in life - moving away from a dear loved one. Though it may seem tough letting go they will both remember tender touches and laughing at practically every word they had said in certain situations.
Though the album is not what I would call country at all, if you like some light rock and roll with a sprinkle of light 1960's touch you will most likely like Thompson Street.
Song List:
Album cover courtesy of Image Entertainment.
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