The same but different...
More pop/country than the previous surfbilly "Swimming In Champagne". Eric Healthly records his second effort on his own dime and turns to a more song writing focused approach for this record. Very satisifing track list, some slow and dark, others upbeat and happy. Excellent song writing, words and music. The liner notes explain every song which is a great insight into the songs creation. Although Eric is an excellent and entertaining guitar player, it doesn't really show through like it should on this record. Having seen him live in Panama City Florida a few times, he has much more than solid songs going for him. This disc would be worth the money. .
Thanks, Eric!
I was so excited to see "Lower East Side" on the racks at the store that I had it ripped open and stood there reading the liner notes before I even got out the doors (surprised I wasn't accosted by the security guards). Like many others, I've been waiting to hear more of Eric Heatherly. When I popped it into my cd player, I found it was one of those rare finds: I liked EVERY track. It's really difficult for an artist to hit on the right combination of variety on an album and still make every track appealing, but Eric has certainly done it. Thanks, Eric, for getting your music out to us. We expect more of this great stuff!
Cindy
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Brilliant!
However this off-the-middle-of-the-road makes this album so unique and exciting and all his own, not only because he wrote it and played it, but also because he probably lived most of it. Eric Heatherly is back - although most everyone will never notice, as this sound most likely won't make it to commercial radio, which is a huge shame! Granted, it would be a difficult decision, what format to put him on, as there are so many ingredients in this spicy and delicious meal. Smokey vocals, cool guitar riffs and thumping percussion deliver angry, yet at places tender lyrics. If country can afford to let a talent and a unique sound like the one of Eric Heatherly fall by the wayside, it is definitely their loss - and we should think about defining a new format, that is capable of bringing this exciting new music to the world!.
One of the best albums I've ever had the pleasure of hearing
"Flowers on the Wall" seemed ready to propel him into stardom. I love music; as such, I readily bought Eric Heatherly's debut album, SWIMMING IN CHAMPAGNE, when it came out several years ago. . . then he disappeared. But he returns here, his songwriting better, his musicianship more apparent, his voice still full of talent and absolutely no BS.
Blending traditional country with sixties rock, pop, blues, and pretty much everything else, Heatherly has crafted an album that may not make it all the way up the charts (or even make much of a dent), yet is guaranteed to please its listeners. Such catchy rhythms as "Judging Beauty" and the title track hide their darker sides. . . and sometimes he doesn't even bother to hide it, as on the stark "Dark Days" and the scathing "Who Needs Enemies (With Family Like You)" (Don't send me no Christmas cards/with a crucifix 'neath the stars/You're a modern day Judas/Yeah I know who you are). And yet, the reminiscent "Whatever Happened. . . To Me", the genuinely romantic "Go Where You Hide," and the tender "Love Story Love" (written for his daughter) all attest that this guy also has a softer side. Who'd figure, after hearing him curse out "poser" artists on "Hang It On Your Heart. "
A talented singer, songwriter, and musician (he played most instruments on the album), Eric Heatherly has more talent than most of Music Row combined. Maybe that's why they don't seem to want him. What the hey--WE want him, and we're glad to have him. THE LOWER EAST SIDE OF LIFE is a terrific album, one of the best I've ever purchased (and I've purchased quite a few in my day). Trust me, you are not going to regret buying this record.
I'm no expert - but here's my Judgment! ;)
Whatever happened since Heatherly's 2000 album release? He was told to make the albums he wanted to. Everybody's guilty of judging beauty - but in this case, what's the crime? Because once enough music lovers have heard this set of songs, Eric Heatherly shouldn't be on the " lower east side of life " much longer. So he did . . . and was dropped from not one but two major labels before those records ever hit stores.
Five years later, he has both a daughter and a dog to thank in the liner notes of this second " official " CD, for which he holed up for 18 months, pouring out his soul.
Not only that, he penned every word on it - mostly alone, but two with co-writes (including his sister on Go Where You Hide). And he played almost all the instruments.
The guitar-slinger traverses themes of unapologetic love (Hide, Ruin) and angst-filled industry shout-outs (Who Needs Enemies, Hang it On Your Heart) to life roles (Job).
Way Down delivers a musical lead-in similar to Flowers on the Wall, from his first album, with a lyrical about-face. And first single Judging Beauty calls out everybody who's too wrapped up in appearances. (With lines like "everyone's an expert at judging beauty. . . critiquing you down like a bad b movie")
Lower East Side of Life's genre is a tough one to pin down. It delves deeply into rocking country but also touches on blues, reflective guitar/vocals and more. There's something here for everyone.
And hey, if you insist on judging beauty, Heatherly ain't bad to look at, either. . . . -Melissa
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You can see a complete list of all Eric Heatherly discography, or go back to the Eric Heatherly tabs
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