Harlan T. Bobo--Too Much Love
Goner 2005
When you mention Goner Records to most folks, raw and brutal garage/punk/rock n' roll is the first thing that comes to mind. That said, the lovely, gentle sounds of Harlan T. Bobo's new album Too Much Love may come as a shock to some--it's pretty far removed from what one would expect of the imprint. Ultimately, this remarkable release stands as testament to the fact this label really only specializes in special.
Musically, Too Much Love has a lot in common with Reigning Sounds' debut Break Up Break Down (not surprising as both Greg Cartwright and Jeremy Scott make contributions here)--this is a beautiful, soul-bearing listen of the highest caliber, perfect in its lilting execution. However, the real trump card Harlan T. Bobo has up his sleeve from the sound and style perspective is his fantastic voice. Possessing a baritone delivery that falls somewhere between Mark Eitzel and Jonathan Richman, these vocals take an already emotionally engaging sonic experience to its next level. There's a very intimate vibe eminating from these speakers, to be sure.
Bobo proves himself equally transcendent as a songwriter on Too Much Love. The opening "Only Love" serves as a fitting mission statement--busy neither musically nor lyrically, it sets a template for most of what follows. Half spoken/half sung vox on "Stop" and "Bottle And Hotel" invokes a Magic and Loss-era Lou Reed feel, while "Mr. Last Week" is a near verbatim lift structurally of the Compulsive Gamblers fave "Mind In The Gutter." Bobo is truly at his best on "After This Night...." The most layered track of this bunch, pedal steel and organ hover over a squall of guitar feedback mixed so low it's nearly inaudible to create a piece capable of standing with nearly anything off American Music Club's Mercury masterwork. No easy feat, to put it mildly.
While Too Much Love may not be typical Goner Records fare, in a general sense, its high standard of quality matches up nicely with the rest of their catalog. With this record, Harlan T. Bobo has created a work that seems destined to endure over the years to come. This is the warm, friendly embrace we all need from time to time to make getting through the days 'til then a bit easier to bear. Very worth your while.
Score this CD directly from GONER
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