Love Comes Just Once
Energy FairReviews
Well, not brand new. Solin recorded Energy Fair in late 2007, some copies were out in 2008, but the album
release party was only a couple of months ago. Semantics – good music is good music, and Energy Fair is
loaded with it. The album cover doesn’t suggest a skiller pop craftsman, nor does the daunting title of the
opening track “Which Way To Sanity”. But by track two, the jangly “Take it From The Top”, you’re ready to
go the distance. And at nineteen tracks, you have miles to go!
Solin has a solid, appealing voice and doesn’t really sound like John Lennon incarnate, although that might
be the most frequent namedrop I’ve heard, probably because he portrayed Lennon in an Off-Broadway
Beatlemania show. (I’ve heard others suggest Parthenon Huxley and even a more centered David Bowie,
and I can’t against argue either.) If anything, the album is more often channeling George Martin-isms,
although you’d expect that kind of nick from someone who is a producer himself.
”Strawberry Wine” really bleeds the influences, featuring “Penny Lane” trumpet, Ringo drum fills and the
slow march of voice over piano that Lennon would use on his more pensive numbers. However, the result is
anything but a Beatles cop; in fact it is more closely comparable to the midtempo Memphis pop of Van
Duren (even more eeriely reminiscent on the gorgeous “Diamond Gold” and “Doesn’t Have To Be With
You”). That’s a big compliment.
What I found remarkable about Energy Fair was the ability to keep up the pace for nineteen songs without
flagging, especially considering that the bulk of the tunes exceed the four minute mark. While the slower
tempo songs allow you to appreciate his lyrics and phrasing, the jaunty tracks like “No Connection” (a
favorite), “Adrienne” and “Robin” are just as appealing. Songs are catchy, but not dumb-riff simple; there’s
a lot of meat on these bones.
Nothing really rocks on this album with the exception of the 60s psych “Cuz I’m Yours” and “Streets of
Westville”, the latter a dark, brooding hybrid of Jim Morrison and Neil Young’s Crazy Horse. Still, while it
might sound fine blasting out your car window you’re not going to get anyone dancing or flashing you the
rock horns. But neither is it an album that demands quiet introspection, as if the fragilty of the experience
would be violated by sharing it outside your personal space. Energy Fair is diverse and vibrant enough to be
appealing under any circumstance. If I heard this wafting across the fence I’d be more inclined to hop
across and meet that new neighbor.
release party was only a couple of months ago. Semantics – good music is good music, and Energy Fair is
loaded with it. The album cover doesn’t suggest a skiller pop craftsman, nor does the daunting title of the
opening track “Which Way To Sanity”. But by track two, the jangly “Take it From The Top”, you’re ready to
go the distance. And at nineteen tracks, you have miles to go!
Solin has a solid, appealing voice and doesn’t really sound like John Lennon incarnate, although that might
be the most frequent namedrop I’ve heard, probably because he portrayed Lennon in an Off-Broadway
Beatlemania show. (I’ve heard others suggest Parthenon Huxley and even a more centered David Bowie,
and I can’t against argue either.) If anything, the album is more often channeling George Martin-isms,
although you’d expect that kind of nick from someone who is a producer himself.
”Strawberry Wine” really bleeds the influences, featuring “Penny Lane” trumpet, Ringo drum fills and the
slow march of voice over piano that Lennon would use on his more pensive numbers. However, the result is
anything but a Beatles cop; in fact it is more closely comparable to the midtempo Memphis pop of Van
Duren (even more eeriely reminiscent on the gorgeous “Diamond Gold” and “Doesn’t Have To Be With
You”). That’s a big compliment.
What I found remarkable about Energy Fair was the ability to keep up the pace for nineteen songs without
flagging, especially considering that the bulk of the tunes exceed the four minute mark. While the slower
tempo songs allow you to appreciate his lyrics and phrasing, the jaunty tracks like “No Connection” (a
favorite), “Adrienne” and “Robin” are just as appealing. Songs are catchy, but not dumb-riff simple; there’s
a lot of meat on these bones.
Nothing really rocks on this album with the exception of the 60s psych “Cuz I’m Yours” and “Streets of
Westville”, the latter a dark, brooding hybrid of Jim Morrison and Neil Young’s Crazy Horse. Still, while it
might sound fine blasting out your car window you’re not going to get anyone dancing or flashing you the
rock horns. But neither is it an album that demands quiet introspection, as if the fragilty of the experience
would be violated by sharing it outside your personal space. Energy Fair is diverse and vibrant enough to be
appealing under any circumstance. If I heard this wafting across the fence I’d be more inclined to hop
across and meet that new neighbor.
New Album! Solin
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| Dr. Bristol's Perscription Review by Bill Holmes, NY May 20, 2009 |
Scarf this one up!
Sōlin alias P. Luciano can be proud to have worked with artists such as Aimee Mann, Jon Brion or Roger
McGuinn (Byrds). This has also made an impression on his second album. Here and there are references,
conscious or unconscious, that one can feel and hear. Obvious is also his nearness to the husband of
Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, and above all the Beatles', whom he also thanks in the CD booklet, at least
John Lennon and George Harrison. But let‘s concentrate now on the 19 of song on “Energy fair”. The work
of Sōlin is a fine thing, very harmonic and extremely delicious, in addition, deep and moving. This
includes and requires almost for contrasts. The 19 songs show a wide emotional spektrum. It ranges from
balladesk to rocking, enriched with fine internmediate tones. Enough to to be infectious and enlight.
McGuinn (Byrds). This has also made an impression on his second album. Here and there are references,
conscious or unconscious, that one can feel and hear. Obvious is also his nearness to the husband of
Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, and above all the Beatles', whom he also thanks in the CD booklet, at least
John Lennon and George Harrison. But let‘s concentrate now on the 19 of song on “Energy fair”. The work
of Sōlin is a fine thing, very harmonic and extremely delicious, in addition, deep and moving. This
includes and requires almost for contrasts. The 19 songs show a wide emotional spektrum. It ranges from
balladesk to rocking, enriched with fine internmediate tones. Enough to to be infectious and enlight.
Sōlin Reviewed by Robert Pally Swiss Records
«Energy fair» (Solin Music/www.solin1.com)
Sōlin alias P. Luciano darf sich damit brüsten, bereits mit Grössen wie Aimee Mann, Jon Brion oder
Roger McGuinn (Byrds) gearbeitet zu haben. Dies hat auf seinem Zweitwerk seinen Niederschlag
gefunden. Hier, da und dort sind Referenzen, bewusst oder unbewusst, an diese Zusammenarbeiten
herauszuhören- und zu spüren. Offenkundig ist aber auch seine Nähe zum Ehemann von Aimee
Mann, Michael Penn, und vor allem den Beatles, denen auch im CD-Cover gedankt wird, zumindest
John Lennon und George Harrison. Doch konzentrieren wir uns nun auf die 19 Songs auf «Energy
fair». Das Werk von Sōlin (übrigens eine Kleinstadt in der kroatischen Gespanschaft Split-Dalmatien)
ist eine feine Sache, harmonisch überaus bekömmlich, aber auch tiefgehend und bewegend. Dies
beinhaltet und verlangt geradezu nach Kontrasten. So decken die 19 Songs eine gefühlsmässig breite
Palette ab. Von balladesk bis rockig reicht das Spektrum, gespickt mit feinen Zwischentönen, die
begeistern und anstecken.
Robert Pally Swiss Records
«Energy fair» (Solin Music/www.solin1.com)
Sōlin alias P. Luciano darf sich damit brüsten, bereits mit Grössen wie Aimee Mann, Jon Brion oder
Roger McGuinn (Byrds) gearbeitet zu haben. Dies hat auf seinem Zweitwerk seinen Niederschlag
gefunden. Hier, da und dort sind Referenzen, bewusst oder unbewusst, an diese Zusammenarbeiten
herauszuhören- und zu spüren. Offenkundig ist aber auch seine Nähe zum Ehemann von Aimee
Mann, Michael Penn, und vor allem den Beatles, denen auch im CD-Cover gedankt wird, zumindest
John Lennon und George Harrison. Doch konzentrieren wir uns nun auf die 19 Songs auf «Energy
fair». Das Werk von Sōlin (übrigens eine Kleinstadt in der kroatischen Gespanschaft Split-Dalmatien)
ist eine feine Sache, harmonisch überaus bekömmlich, aber auch tiefgehend und bewegend. Dies
beinhaltet und verlangt geradezu nach Kontrasten. So decken die 19 Songs eine gefühlsmässig breite
Palette ab. Von balladesk bis rockig reicht das Spektrum, gespickt mit feinen Zwischentönen, die
begeistern und anstecken.
Robert Pally Swiss Records
Translation:
Local CDs: 02/26/09 New Haven Advocate
Solin reviewed
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
By Brian LaRue
Audio Extra: Listen to "Peace of Mind," by Brett Terry.
Solin, Energy Fair (Solin Music, solin1.com). First off, this is a daunting amount of music — 19 tracks, nearly 79
minutes. Thankfully, for all the bulk, this disc is surprisingly short on filler. In fact, it doesn't seem to have
any. Solin's songs call to mind the bright, ringing guitar-pop of the mid-to-late-'60s (as well as the later '70s
power-pop movement, which used that same period for source material), but unlike so many retro-popsters,
he refuses to pinch familiar licks outright. The melodies feel natural and reflect a comfortably deep knowledge
of craft. The arrangements are dynamic and full, and the lyrics, which address love and growth and life
changes and all that stuff, often capture a strikingly vulnerable melancholia that makes the songs feel like
more than genre exercises. Solin goes on and on here without fumbling. If not for the consistency of the
production style, this could come off as a retrospective of career highlights instead of a single studio album.
Solin plays a CD release show Feb. 27 at Cafe Nine.
Solin reviewed
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
By Brian LaRue
Audio Extra: Listen to "Peace of Mind," by Brett Terry.
Solin, Energy Fair (Solin Music, solin1.com). First off, this is a daunting amount of music — 19 tracks, nearly 79
minutes. Thankfully, for all the bulk, this disc is surprisingly short on filler. In fact, it doesn't seem to have
any. Solin's songs call to mind the bright, ringing guitar-pop of the mid-to-late-'60s (as well as the later '70s
power-pop movement, which used that same period for source material), but unlike so many retro-popsters,
he refuses to pinch familiar licks outright. The melodies feel natural and reflect a comfortably deep knowledge
of craft. The arrangements are dynamic and full, and the lyrics, which address love and growth and life
changes and all that stuff, often capture a strikingly vulnerable melancholia that makes the songs feel like
more than genre exercises. Solin goes on and on here without fumbling. If not for the consistency of the
production style, this could come off as a retrospective of career highlights instead of a single studio album.
Solin plays a CD release show Feb. 27 at Cafe Nine.
Absolute Powerpop
http://absolutepowerpop.blogspot.com/2009/02/friday-night-roundup.html
A place to discover the latest and greatest in power pop releases.
Solin-Energy Fair. Solin (or Solin, Solin as he's sometimes billed) is a pop veteran who's played John Lennon in
off-Brodway Beatlemania, and shared the stage with the likes of Roger McGuinn, Aimee Mann and Jon Brion.
The good news is that he has the tunes to match his resume, both in quality and length (18 tracks here). Bruce
Brodeen at Not Lame compares him to P.Hux, and I'd concur in that and I'd throw in some Chris von Sneidern
and Jeremy Morris as well. There's a lot to choose from here, but for my money the opening 1-2 of "Which Way
to Sanity" and "Take it from the Top" are the standouts here. "I Go Ghost" recalls the aforementioned Mr.
Brion, and the jangly "Robin" is another treat.
http://absolutepowerpop.blogspot.com/2009/02/friday-night-roundup.html
A place to discover the latest and greatest in power pop releases.
Solin-Energy Fair. Solin (or Solin, Solin as he's sometimes billed) is a pop veteran who's played John Lennon in
off-Brodway Beatlemania, and shared the stage with the likes of Roger McGuinn, Aimee Mann and Jon Brion.
The good news is that he has the tunes to match his resume, both in quality and length (18 tracks here). Bruce
Brodeen at Not Lame compares him to P.Hux, and I'd concur in that and I'd throw in some Chris von Sneidern
and Jeremy Morris as well. There's a lot to choose from here, but for my money the opening 1-2 of "Which Way
to Sanity" and "Take it from the Top" are the standouts here. "I Go Ghost" recalls the aforementioned Mr.
Brion, and the jangly "Robin" is another treat.
CD Baby | MySpace | iTunes
Solin-Energy Fair. Solin (or Solin, Solin as he's sometimes billed) is a pop veteran who's played John Lennon in
off-Brodway Beatlemania, and shared the stage with the likes of Roger McGuinn, Aimee Mann and Jon Brion.
The good news is that he has the tunes to match his resume, both in quality and length (18 tracks here). Bruce
Brodeen at Not Lame compares him to P.Hux, and I'd concur in that and I'd throw in some Chris von Sneidern
and Jeremy Morris as well. There's a lot to choose from here, but for my money the opening 1-2 of "Which Way
to Sanity" and "Take it from the Top" are the standouts here. "I Go Ghost" recalls the aforementioned Mr.
Brion, and the jangly "Robin" is another treat.
Solin-Energy Fair. Solin (or Solin, Solin as he's sometimes billed) is a pop veteran who's played John Lennon in
off-Brodway Beatlemania, and shared the stage with the likes of Roger McGuinn, Aimee Mann and Jon Brion.
The good news is that he has the tunes to match his resume, both in quality and length (18 tracks here). Bruce
Brodeen at Not Lame compares him to P.Hux, and I'd concur in that and I'd throw in some Chris von Sneidern
and Jeremy Morris as well. There's a lot to choose from here, but for my money the opening 1-2 of "Which Way
to Sanity" and "Take it from the Top" are the standouts here. "I Go Ghost" recalls the aforementioned Mr.
Brion, and the jangly "Robin" is another treat.
I purchased Energy Fair by Solin. Best pleasure investment I’ve made in quite a while! Beyond a unique, yet
accomplished and extremely original musical score, the lyrical barrage unleashed by Solin is nothing short of
stellar. Not only is he a phenomenal musician, he is perhaps also one of our leading 21st Century Poets!
Outstanding effort!
Thank you Solin for delivering more than my money’s worth – a rare occurrence in this day and age.
- Rick Frost
accomplished and extremely original musical score, the lyrical barrage unleashed by Solin is nothing short of
stellar. Not only is he a phenomenal musician, he is perhaps also one of our leading 21st Century Poets!
Outstanding effort!
Thank you Solin for delivering more than my money’s worth – a rare occurrence in this day and age.
- Rick Frost
