"Brian Dewan's lyrics are paranoid, idiosynchratic, and dark. Often funny and always intriguing, Dewan sings his narrative tales in a distinctive baritone over light accompaniment from his own homemade instruments. The music itself is unlike anything I've heard before, yet is still somehow inherantly catchy. Personal favorites are "The Cowboy Outlaw," "The Creatures," and "Drinking Bird," although every song is truly a fine creation on its own. Too bad his later releases aren't avaliable through mainstream dealers..."
A nearly perfect record, but skip the first track.
paranymph | New York, NY | 09/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an almost completely cohesive recording -- listening to the CD is being invited into his world, which may (or may not!) be a different affair than consensual reality! This is not a record that can be used as background music -- the way he combines and plays with Puritan earnestness, a nearly musicological approach, unusual instruments, and poker-faced humor demand strict attention! The only exception is the first track. "99 Cops" has little to do with the rest of the record -- it's as if someone decided that the subtle sense of humor of the rest of the record would be incomprehensible to listeners and this heavy handed, barely humorous, borderline offensive song had to be included to make the record "relevant" and/or a "hit". It's a great record -- his second record, "The Operating Table", is also WELL worth seeking out!"
I Hope He Doesn't Live Near Me
paranymph | 03/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An eccentric collection by an eccentric dude. Playing a homemade electric zither (which sounds very cool), Mr. Dewan spins pseudo-happy tales like "The Letter" (about a chain-letter, and the horrific deaths suffered by those who didn't send it on) and "Cowboy Outlaw" (chronicling what happens to the outlaw's *corpse* over 100 years). His salute to "Drinking Bird" is duly noted. Fans of the slightly odd (or really odd) should give it a try."
Incomparable Sound
Daniel Nosheny | 08/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a fan of Brian Dewan since I heard him open for TMBG at City Gardens (rip) in Trenton in 1992. Anyone who hasn't heard a zither with full distortion should get this album on principle. I break the tracks on the album down into 3 styles: rocking, pensive, and storytelling.
His rocking tracks (99 Cops, Obedience School) are distorted, rollicking, and worthy of headbanging (not that I would know). Quite a feat without the use of drums.
The pensive tracks (The Record, The Day the Day Stood Still, Breezes are Blowing)are absolutely breathtaking. His sense of timing and lyricism shines through in these tracks, and his contrapuntal zither playing is great to hear. It also emphasizes the way basic chord structures have to change when playing an instrument that's basically a giant slide guitar, and the results are wonderful.
Then there are the storytelling tracks (the rest), which range from mundane (Drinking Bird) to outlandish (My Eye and Feel the Brain). Brian Dewan tells his stories with passion and sincerity in the style of many of the great storytellers (Carmaig De Forest comest to mind). The stories provide entertainment for listen after listen (much like the theme of his song "The Record").
I'd recommend this cd to those interested in non-traditional themes presented with non-traditional instruments, despite the irony that the album title "Tells the Story," implies something much more traditional."
Great CD
T.S. Hunter | Glendora, CA USA | 09/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Brian Dewan from the TMBG's Hello Music Club. I was impressed by his unique style and his electric zither. After seeing him live with TMBG, I got this album. I really like the cowboy outlaw song, which by the way, is a true story. Also, 99 cops is funny. I wish I still had this album, but it got stolen!"