Play 90 second soundbite of 'The Quiet Ages' @ 'CD quality'
Cardwell has been variously compared to Ray Davies, George Harrison, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. I can see where they're coming from particularly with Davies and Young - Cardwell has the same edgy rawness in his approach. He writes from the heart in the same way as Young and applies similar poetic humour to Davies. And hey, neither of those have particularly great voices (or Dylan for that matter!), but they all have commitment and belief!
There aint a bad song on this album (and there's eleven of the babes!). DC Cardwell's simplistic and rather understated technique somewhat undersells his workmanlike and infectious writing. He (and it's all him!) lays everything down beautifully but I can't help but feel that Cardwell is holding back with his delivery. The songs are great. The playing is more than adequate, in fact it's pretty damn fine. The vocals are similarly adequate. Now, there's my dilemma, - why is he only adequate in some areas. Methinks it's just self-belief - and I go back to Cardwell's own words about his singing!! There's more to be got from this guy - only he's not believing that, he's laughing it off rather than getting it on and doing it big, vocally and, to an extent, instrumentally. The vocals are generally handled with a sort of lazy drawl rather than being made to feel bright and airy.
Anyway, back to the album. 'Way With Words' is overflowing with damn good songs that Cardwell could publish and earn a good income from. As I sit listening I'm getting frustrated because this whole work is begging to be given some real soul and passion. Easier said than done maybe, but I think it can be done and DC Cardwell could become a pretty big force - eventually.
DC Cardwell's style errs on contemporary country and there's a massive marketplace out there for that genre. I now want to see DC Cardwell really pushing hard to get the absolute max out of himself - he's already sitting on a valuable asset in his songs - he could be a force to contend with if only he took himself more seriously.
I like 'Way With Words', I like the vibe and I like the words. 'Way With Words' is not just yer average 'home produced' musical outing - it shows great potential and could certainly be taken to another level.
If I sound a bit mean and uncharitable I make no apologies! I believe in constructive criticism and hope that my 'harsh' words may be taken in the spirit they're meant. At the end of the day DC Cardwell has more to offer but maybe doesn't realise it - yet!!
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