REVIEW REPRINT
Joel Cage - "Nobody"
By Sheri
Stanley, Waynesville, NC - Internet Reviewer
Each time I spin a new disc, I always hope it will be
like a great book. I want it to grab my attention from the
moment it starts and hold my interest until the end. Joel
Cage's new release, "Nobody," has done exactly that. In
fact, it hasn't left my cd player for a week, and if I'm not
listening to it, the songs are going around in my head and I
find myself singing out loud. This man writes unforgettable
melodies, plays guitar like nobody's buisness and is a
brilliant lyricist. He delivers each song in a clear,
powerful and beautiful voice.
There are 13 outstanding tracks on "Nobody" (including a
delightful cover of U2's "Where The Streets Have No Name"
from their release, "The Joshua Tree"). Many of the songs
are about love, but be assured you won't tire of the
subject.
"Lover," the first track on the disc, is a song about
lost love. Joel's superb guitar playing kicks off this song
with a stomping groove that won't let you sit still ("Rose"
is about seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. It's
another song with a stomping guitar beat and fiery riffs).
"Fatman" is an upbeat song about pursuing the "American
dream."
Other love songs include; "Baggage" - a metaphor about
the past and the hope for a new love; "Nobody" is a sweet
song about the intimacy of a lover's uniquness; "Wander" is
an unrequited love song with a gorgeous lilting melody;
"Reason" is about the end of love, and I'll warn you, it may
bring you to tears.
Whatever the mood of a song, Joel's guitar playing is
always exciting and much, much more than mere accompaniment
to his singing. He's a clever and creative player with an
impressive technical command of the instrument, all the more
so because his playing seems effortless.
Joel is so completely unique and refreshing. He's a truly
amazing writer and musician. Five seconds into this disc and
my reaction was, "wow!" I am so pleased to have his music in
my collection. Bravo, Joel!
Posted to the internet Folk_Music and FolkD-J lists
8/25/98