Search - Chris Stamey :: Fireworks

Around the Bend

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/01/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Chris recorded "Fireworks" in 1988 for A&M Records. A&M thought it was too weird. So it wasn't until 1991 that he found release through a Rhino subsidiary RNA Records. Yes, I suppose it could be considered experimental, but there are some interesting gems that make this solo set by dB's frontman of interest. The set embraces melodic pop & uses unusual flourishes. "Time Is Running Out" is more straight-up with its driving rock beat that sounded retro even in 1991. "You look around you now; It's like you've never seen in broken imagery, but two familiar things: a painted photograph, the way you took it in your dreams," opens with Chris' urgent vocals on "Perfect Time" before the song morphs into a jingly pop chorus. "On the Radio (for Ray Davies)" is a tight pop tune that masquerades as a Kinks track, "Later that day I heard it again, the stars were out & I was driven around the bend; The singer's voice was singing 'let's pretend,' and I heard a glass shatter, but it really didn't matter." Stamey's vocals are a bit strained on "I Want You" that is otherwise a decent track. Gram Parsons' "You Don't Miss Your Water" is given an airy reading. Not everything works well on "Fireworks," but it's never boring. Enjoy!"