Search - Blue Merle :: Burning in the Sun

Looking for Painting Music

Heather M. Craig | 08/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was at a certain record store, trying to avoid the people on the next stool competing for some sort of a public display of affection award, when I slapped on the headphones and picked 'Blue Merle'. Reminds me of dogs. I like dogs.



Normally, I jet from one track to the other, rapidly making decisions like... hate it, hate it, hate it, too poppy, too girlie.... but I listened to the first song all the way through... and then I listened to the second song all the way through, and then I knew that this CD was my new family. I clutched it close like a new puppy.



I brought it into my sacred painting studio space. This space is reserved for inspiration and hard work. Blue Merle definitely qualifies in those categories.



"

Blue Merle - Buring in the Sun

Jill Haverkamp | Chicago, IL | 05/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"At first listen, Blue Merle, a new band from Nashville, is easily mistaken for mellow British rockers Coldplay. Lead singer Luke Reynolds' use of falsetto bears a disturbing resemblance to Coldplay's front man Chris Martin. The timbre of the two bands is similar, but Blue Merle's inclusion of the mandolin, fiddle, guitar, upright bass, drums, djembe, and organ sheds a distinct light on Burning In The Sun. This collection of instruments, rare in today's pop music, gives Blue Merle's debut album a fresh, complete, and multi-dimensional appeal.



A somber recollection of a sweetheart is reveled in "Stay." The orchestra featured in this grief-stricken song causes the listener to literally feel their heart breaking. Reynolds' voice soothes the listener by insisting, "And we ain't together, But you stay with me." Similar emotionally potent ballads include "If I Could" and "Every Ship Must Sail Away."



The title track "Burning In The Sun" is about trying to get away from an unwanted break up. Reynolds pleads "It wasn't part of the plan, What was I supposed to do, But run and run." The imagery of rushing but not getting there fast enough is exquisitely executed through the racing chaos of the mandolin, fiddle, and percussion.



A good substitute for a morning cup of coffee is the animated "Either Way It Goes." This song comes alive with an intricate rhythm section complete with cowbell, drums, djembe, shaker, and tambourine.



Reynolds wrote all the songs on the album and is an adequate writer for this being his first album. Many of the lyrics are straightforward, requiring little in-depth analysis from the listener, yet they are empathetic.



With time, Blue Merle will break the Coldplay stereotype because they're an exceptional band with a wealth of potential. Their debut Burning In The Sun is a passionate, sentimental album that embraces tightly at every beat."

Coldplay meets Nickel Creek

Brett Burney | 02/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't claim credit for the title of this review, but it's the best way to describe the unique and comforting sound from Blue Merle.



Thanks to lead singer Luke Reynolds' vocals, you could almost mistake any song on here for a Coldplay tune until you hear Beau Stapleton's mandolin provide a subtle percussive backdrop. Don't think Bill Monroe playing Jed Clampett, rather, the mandolin infuses a unique gusto to what could otherwise be an average pop-album.



These songs are refreshingly lean. The vocals and melodies enjoy the spotlight while the instruments lay down a supportive but vital background.



I enjoy the way this album sounds. It's soothing but lively."