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Reviews
The following is an excerpt from "OCspotlight
on Music" from myoc.com. The full text of the article can be found
here.
CDs take a local flavor
MUSIC REVIEW:
Three local bands, with three incredibly different sounds, release some of
the best CDs the OC local scene has seen all year.
By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register
To hear the jazz-rock of Robert Muller, goth-rock
of Dim and punk of Loogie, there would seem to be little in common among the
three. But all have released some of the best CDs on the local scene this
year.
Robert Muller
"Deep Blue Underneath," Sirius
You might enjoy if you like: Bruce Cockburn, Steely Dan, Gypsy Soul
Successfully fusing folk, jazz, pop and rock,
Robert Muller's newly released "Deep Blue Underneath" succeeds in
every way.
The Aliso Viejo songwriter is as talented a
singer as he is a multi-instrumentalist, and he probes the mysteries and
magic of life with unending insight across the 61-minute disc. And it is the
compelling mix of lyrical depth and wide-ranging musical explorations that
draws natural comparisons of Muller with Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce
Cockburn.
Those listening to Muller's songs won't
stumble across many lyrical clichés, but rather share the poetry of an
artist not content to reach for a simple rhyme. In the beautiful
"Always," Muller sings: "Well I dreamt true love was comedy /
a Shakespeare farce more acted than believed / I'm on a different stage / as
her star shines / mine fades away."
While Muller more than ably handles many
vocal styles to the accompaniment of acoustic and electric guitars,
"Deep Blue Underneath" is an even greater work thanks to the role
of bassist John Williamson and guitarist Philip Cordaro, both of whom shine
throughout the wonderful disc.
Further musical colors come courtesy of
keyboards such as a mellotron, completing this glowing effort.
More Reviews from Amazon.com
customers
Five
of Five Stars -
It's a Keeper, December 12, 2001
Reviewer: A music fan from Glencoe, Illinois
United States
I love books and music that keep me coming back.....You know, the kind where
you not only get to visit old favorites, but you often pick up new meaning
or learn something new each time you indulge. That's what "Deep Blue
Underneath" does for me. I bought it about a year ago and, since I hadn't
played it in a while, I took it with me on a recent road trip. It was like
listening to a new CD! I discovered new favorites and found myself singing
the tunes long after the CD had finished playing. The lyrics will keep you
coming back, too. You don't have to worry about shallow phrases and
meaningless rhymes with Rob Muller. His are truly lyrical poems that are
both intelligent and thought-provoking. Combine that with some pretty cool
guitar playing, and no wonder I'm hooked!
Five
of Five Stars - Every Song a Gem,
April 6, 2001
Reviewer: compton0911 from Crown Point, IN USA
Since Mr. Muller's musical depth is evident on every track, Deep Blue
Underneath is a very fitting title. My personal favourite is Pale Yellow,
musically and lyrically a masterpiece! And speaking of masterpieces, I am
also very fond of the hidden track, Rembrandt Carnival. Keep up the good
work Robby! Looking forward to your next CD.
Five
of Five Stars -
Perfect from title to instrumental finish,
March 5, 2001
Reviewer: daeska from New York, NY USA
I was recommended this disc from a friend of mine in the U.K. (Good call,
Jarret!) When I first put this disc in I thought it was quite good, but then
I couldn't get the damn thing out of my head. Now, two weeks later I think
it's brilliant. It's the first honest thing I've heard come out of the
states for quite some time, and there are great hooks to go with the
sincerety. Lyrically, I'm just starting to get my noggin around it, but the
"Deep Blue" title suits it. Robert Muller is obviously a deeply disturbed
individual with some mighty creative cogs working overtime in the attic, if
you know what I mean. A combination anyone of true taste will relish and
want to listen to, and peel away at, until at the "Underneath" of this "Deep
Blue" onion. Don't miss it!
Five
of Five Stars - Deep is Deep,
December 4, 2000
Reviewer: A music fan from Laguna
Niguel, CA United States
I caught Robert at one of his live shows and was very impressed with his
artistry and lyrical content. For the first time in a long time I found
myself getting very involved in the music, wondering where the next turn
would take me and what images would be around the next corner. And for the
record, there were plenty of corners. When I got home later that night, I
couldn't stop humming this song he played called "St. Valentine"
so I got on Amazon and bought the CD. While hugely disappointed that the
song I had stuck in my head wasn't on the CD, I discovered a cool new world
in this enigmatic artist's work. From the looks of the other reviews, I'm
not the only one. The only thing I've got to say is this; Mr. Muller,
"St. Valentine" better be on your next disc. I'd hate to have to
buy another one of your albums without that song on it.
Five of Five
Stars -
This Album Has Stolen My Heart,
October 5, 2000
Reviewer: John Williamson from
Orange County, CA
I was cruising the web and decided to stop at Amazon to see how -Robert Müller-Deep
Blue Underneath- was doing... By the way I am John Williamson the
"Unsanctioned Member -Bassist" for Robert Müller-Deep Blue
Underneath. Reading some of the other reviews inspired me to write some of
my own thoughts and feelings towards this album. First, This album is Robert
Müller, every word and line of every song is an emotion that made it to
paper then to music. Bits and pieces "windows" of Roberts life.
One of the other reviews say "you can listen to it "Happy" or
"Sad". It's True! I love music and listen to everything from
Classical, Funk, Motown, Techno, Rock & A lot more Country than I am
willing to admit to my friends-(don't tell). I just like music that somehow
connects with me, i guess we all do-anarchist don't listen to
classical....do they? Evertime I listen to Robs album it just draws me in.
And he uses so many colorful poetic words that you can easily fit your life
and thoughts into the song. For the most part the album moves slower than
most "forgive me Rob" POP albums these days, but i feel it will
find a home in the Jazzy/Eclectic/Folk/Rock-frajilisticexpealladoscious--Ha
Ha! and still be loved by the mainstream for it's catchy hooks. This album
has stolen my heart, I will still play it 2 or 3 times in a row, and it's
always in my Car with me. By the way 'Small Town Dreams" is one of my
favorite on the disk.
Five
of Five Stars - Amazingly
Emotional,
September 27, 2000
Reviewer: Lauren Hollings from
Chicago, IL USA
Robert Muller's new album is amazingly emotional. The music and lyrics are a
rollercoaster ride. From the simple pleasure of "My Favorite Time of
Year" and warm reflection of "Small Town Dreams" to the
tortured and quite dark "Ten" and "Always" you know what
he was really feeling; and I could relate to all of them. While his lyrics
tend to be a bit ethereal and open, the music does a great job of explaining
more of what he wants to say. This way of writing tends to make you think
about you rather than the artist, and how simple things can bring you joy or
absolute torment. This is a beautiful album and I give it my highest
recommendation.
An
evolving emotional landscape - September 25, 2000
Reviewer: A music fan from
Seattle, WA USA
Every now and then you learn of a new artist, or one of your favorite
popular artists puts out a new recording that just floors you. You play it
the first time and it sounds familiar, you play it again and you discover
that what sounded familiar the first time is more complex than you
originally experienced.
At least once a year I go
over my "lost on a desert island top 10 list" of recordings, you
know the ones you couldn't live without or at least the ones you could stand
playing over and over if forced to limit your collection for an extended
time. My list changes each time I play the game in my mind, but the artists
rarely do: The Beatles Abbey Road or Revolver, anything by Pat Metheny
(Letter From Home right now), Dave Matthews, Motzart, Clapton, Sting, Gin
Blossoms, 3rd Eye Blind, Acoustic Alchemy, maybe some Windham Hill artists -
why isn't this on Windham Hill?
This CD by Muller, well
it's one to be listened to as if you were reading a great book, or watching
a good movie. Actively engaged. You can literally watch the music unfold in
front of your minds eye, the songs attaching themselves to emotional muscles
you didn't know you had - certainly not ones that have seen exercise in a
while. Like a well executed military campaign you'll succumb to this music's
ethereal embrace, unable to point at any one specific point or song. It just
somehow always has you. It's familiar, but this CD has a Chameleon-like
capablity about it. It adapts to your own ever evolving emotional landscape.
Listen to this when you've had a bad day, then listen again when everything
is going your way and you'll get what I mean.
I give the recording 4
stars, the production 5 and have added it to the top 10 list of desert
recordings. Musicians must get there hands on a copy for their private
collections. There are hooks in there that will make you say to yourself,
"I wish I had written that!" I have a feeling someday we'll all be
borrowing from this talented artist. I'm sending out copies to friends for
gifts this Holiday season.
Four
of Five Stars - Weird and
Wonderful,
September 24, 2000
Reviewer: Kim Cordell from
Muncie, IN USA
Robert Muller's debut record is a strange blend of influences, but he pulls
it off making this quirky pop album both accessible and intriguing. The
music is beautifully woven with jazz, folk, and classical in a way that
defies labels. His lyrics can be very elusive, but he always keeps you
hooked by seeing things from a truly strange perspective loaded with imagery
that is reminiscent of Yes or Led Zepplin. This album also stands up to
multiple listenings. The strongest tracks stay with you long after the disc
is over. This is easily a 4 to 4 1/2 star album. If you are looking for
something other than the cookie cutter pop that's being spat out these days,
Robert Muller and Deep Blue Underneath is a great alternative.
Four
and a Half of Five Stars -
Impressive Debut,
September 21, 2000
Reviewer: Josh Alexander from
Seattle, WA USA
Robert Muller seems to have a knack for writing sophisticated pop songs that
stick in your head. I've been humming the song "Small Town Dream"
since I first heard it the other day. Now that I've listened to the whole
album a few more times, other songs like "Ten" and "My
Favorite Time of Year" are bouncing around the inside of my noggin too.
This album has loads of great music and lyrics that leave you wondering a
little; not only what they mean, but what space this artist was in when he
wrote them. Van Gogh painted flowers, but why he painted them and the way he
painted them spoke of his genius. Is Mr. Muller a genius? Let's hope he's
not a one disk wonder so we can find out. JA
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