Audio CD review:
Martin Zellar & The Hardways - The Many Moods of Martin Zellar & The Hardways

Martin Zellar & The Hardways - The Many Moods of Martin Zellar & The Hardways

Band: Martin Zellar & The Hardways Title: The Many Moods of Martin Zellar & The Hardways Rating: Release Date: 1998-08-25 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Blown Kisses 2: Goodnight Meridel 3: Freeze This Feeling 4: Clues 5: Carolyn 6: Time and Time Again 7: All I Need 8: Tomorrow Is Too Late 9: 1000 Miles Away 10: Marching Beside Him

Good, but not great His talent for describing the mundane and melancholy small town life is superb. I've always loved Zellar's music. However, in his latest offering, it seems like the music is forcing the lyrics - instead of the other way around. In my opinion, the true greatness in Zellar's music was in the way the lyrics flowed - telling a story - while the music seemed to fit in perfectly around the lyrics to enhance the total effect. Sadly, this is lacking in the "Many Moods. " (have a listen to Born Under and several of the tracks on MZ and the Hardways to see what I mean) And perhaps this latest work is a sign that Zellar is maturing as an artist. Another winner from Martin Zellar & the Hardaways Zellar is a terrific singer and songwriter, and his band the Hardways provide great accompaniment for him to do his thing. Martin Zellar's 3rd album since the demise of the Gear Daddies is another excellent roots-rock outing. This is a very organic sounding album, lots of acoustic and electric guitar, organ, and even horns and strings on a couple of tunes. While definitley a rock & roll album, there is a pronounced (in a good way) country influence here. It's twangy in spots, but this is a good thing, not a cheesey, formulaic modern-Nashville thing. It's a crying shame that an artist with such great, honest work doesn't get more airplay (but considering the crap on the radio these days, maybe that's a good thing). This album should appeal to fans of Springsteen, Mellencamp, The Eagles, BoDeans, Wilco, etc. HEART-FELT LYRICS AND RUGGED SOUND MAKE THIS CD ONE TO BUY! His songs are unforgettable and touching. Martin Zellar brings with him, as always, his heartfelt lyrics and rugged sound, making this cd one to buy. They songs make you feel as if you've lived them. His work touches a common thread with everyone who listens. You can see a complete list of all Martin Zellar & The Hardways discography, or go back to the Martin Zellar & The Hardways tabs