On his live album, East Asheville Hardware, David Wilcox displayed a rare knack for delivering comic songs with the sort of deadpan wryness that only makes the punchlines even funnier. Unfortunately, the pop-folk singer/so... more »ngwriter packed that talent away before making his studio album, Turning Point, which is so sober and sensitive that it has the effect of a strong sleeping pill. The North Carolina troubadour wrote or cowrote all dozen songs, and his melodies are pleasant without being memorable, while his lyrics are full of the vaguely worded aphorisms which could mean anything--or nothing at all. Wilcox's handsome tenor bears an uncanny resemblance to James Taylor's and the younger man alternates intimate, acoustic ballads with electrified, jazz-pop midtempo numbers just like his hero. Wilcox never quite matches the sumptuous tone and precise phrasing of Taylor's best work, but Turning Point is definitely easy on the ear. It doesn't place much demand on the brain either, not when it offers philosophical insights along the lines of "We don't have the time for the stars to align; let's change our fate with desire" (from "Show Me the Key"), or "Just one thing can kill this dream--to compromise your vision" (from the title track). --Geoffrey Himes« less
On his live album, East Asheville Hardware, David Wilcox displayed a rare knack for delivering comic songs with the sort of deadpan wryness that only makes the punchlines even funnier. Unfortunately, the pop-folk singer/songwriter packed that talent away before making his studio album, Turning Point, which is so sober and sensitive that it has the effect of a strong sleeping pill. The North Carolina troubadour wrote or cowrote all dozen songs, and his melodies are pleasant without being memorable, while his lyrics are full of the vaguely worded aphorisms which could mean anything--or nothing at all. Wilcox's handsome tenor bears an uncanny resemblance to James Taylor's and the younger man alternates intimate, acoustic ballads with electrified, jazz-pop midtempo numbers just like his hero. Wilcox never quite matches the sumptuous tone and precise phrasing of Taylor's best work, but Turning Point is definitely easy on the ear. It doesn't place much demand on the brain either, not when it offers philosophical insights along the lines of "We don't have the time for the stars to align; let's change our fate with desire" (from "Show Me the Key"), or "Just one thing can kill this dream--to compromise your vision" (from the title track). --Geoffrey Himes
Aaron Wedemeyer | Waco, TX United States | 06/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"At first, Turning Point was not my favorite, and its still probably my least favorite Wilcox CD. But I've kept listening, and its been growing on me. The sound is less acoustic than I typically like. But the way I see it, Dave has earned the right to experiment, and I trust him with music more than almost anyone else. I would agree that this should not be someone's first Wilcox experience, or even second or third. But once you feel that you're ready, you better hold on. Dave weaves some pretty complex lyrics into the new sound that will have you baffled for about the first ten times through. And then he will start to blow you away in typical Wilcox fashion. So don't worry; this is still the same Wilcox, just from a different angle."
This is much better than 3 stars! Don't miss out.
Jeff Taylor | Virginia | 03/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Admittedly, this is a somewhat different sort of CD by David Wilcox - a bit more plugged in. But it works well with those particular songs. However, in other ways, this is pure David - in fact, some of his best: for example - Tattered Old Kite, Secret Church and Turning Point - border on exquisite; not to mention Western Ridge, Kindness, Waffle House, Glory, etc... All in all, there is not one song to throw away, though there are one's I enjoy more than others. While I am tempted to give it 5 stars that would mean it is the same as Big Horizon (my personal fav), Home Again (2nd fav?) and HDYFMH. Easily though it is 4 1/2 stars.
One of its strong points is its melodic composition; something which is lacking in Underneath (least listened to DW cd) and to a lesser degree in Into the Mystery. Meaningful lyrics are great, but if there's not a detectable and memorable tune - why bother? (Listening to GLightfoot certainly spoils you in that respect). If you haven't bought this one because of only 3 stars, wait no longer. This is one that will grow on you and it contains some of David's best songs."
Lyrically deep, musically confusing
Mike Liderbach (lidermike@aol.com) | Cincinnati, OH | 04/05/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"At first, it seemed a brilliant move to team the folk introspection of David Wilcox with the alt-rock attitude of Ric Hordinski (formerly of Over the Rhine). Unfortunately, Wilcox never completely sells on the rock numbers (stop holding back, man!), and Hordinski stumbles ever so slightly in his production of the slower acoustic numbers.Skipping the rock-experiment duds, the ballads on this album match or surpass anything else Wilcox has done. The pairing of "Secret Church" and "Turning Point" at the end of the album is breathtakingly beautiful.I would agree with some that this is not the best place to start for an intruduction to the artist, but neither do I think this album should be passed over because it experiments with non-traditional folk-rock production. You could do worse these days."
A disappointing departure for this serious Dave fan.
Mike Liderbach (lidermike@aol.com) | 08/18/1998
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I have all of Dave's stuff and have seen him many times live. This was a serious disappointment. His voice is much more suited to an acoustic treatment -- this electric guitar and harsh arrangements of this album overpower him. One of my very favorite songs, Your Kindness, is a particular letdown. Live, it is warm, intimate and special. Here, the poor quality of the recording distracts from the beauty of the song. Sorry, Dave. There are some high points (Waffle House, for example), but overall this album is not memorable. I still look forward to his next one though. Dave is one of the best singer/songwriters around."
A Bit Uneven but Ultimately Worthwhile.
Chad Davies | Barnesville, GA | 12/10/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to this album you might be tempted to ask whether this is the same David Wilcox of "How Did You Find Me Here?" Gone are the simpler folk melodies and sounds, replaced by a heavier, harder sound. Once you're past that, however, you realize that the depth of the songwriting is the same and the insightfulness of the lyrics are still on target.The album seems to deal with a couple of themes. First is Wilcox's leaving the mainstream music industry following the "Big Horizon" project. Hidden in metaphors, Wilcox calls into question the artistic integrity of the music industry on songs like "Spin" and "Human Cannonball". Second is a struggle with the institutional aspects of faith and religion. Finally, there are a couple of songs that continue Wilcox's dialogue about relationships, love and loss.A final gem can be found in the quirky tune, Waffle House. If you've ever had the chance to spend some late night time in the yellow box, you will instantly recognize the characters and experiences Dave populates the song with.If you're looking for Dave's folk side you'll want to be careful with this album but if you'd like to hear Dave outside his own box doing some expirementation, pick up this album."