Search - Jim Photoglo :: Sparks in the Radio

Photoglo's "Sparks" Sparkle with a Tepid Affection

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 01/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: That's How Strong Love Is, That's Love to Me, Fishin' In the Dark



Magic is ignited whenever Photoglo's pen touches paper. Though he has released a few albums in the early 80s and though he has toured with Andy Gibbs, they are all lobotomized compared to his songwriting prowess. Being responsible for number one hits such as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Fishin' in the Dark" and Alabama's "Hometown Honeymoon" plus album cuts by Travis Tritt ("Dixie Flyer"), Tanya Tucker ("Silence is King"), Faith Hill ("You Give Me Love") and Highway 101 ("Honky Tonk Heart"), Photoglo's songwriting credentials are irrefutable. Stepping up to the microphone, "Sparks in the Radio" is this hit maker's first album in 5 years. Despite his constricting tenor that struggles at times in reaching the more challenging high notes, this is compensated by this CD's stellar songs. Thanks to co-helmsman Larry Michael Lee (producer for Restless Heart and Alabama), there is an understated production that is largely acoustic with a Don-Williams-type sound. Like a warm bath is to a tiresome body, and like a warm fireplace is to a bitter cold winter, this is an affable attempt marked by a tepid endearment.



Reaching back into his repertoire is Photoglo's own re-cut of John Anderson's "Hillbilly Hollywood." Telling the story of a burgeoning singer who dreams of playing at the Opry, this paean has a small town flavor that is perfectly brought out through Photoglo's understated though nuanced delivery. The other cover is Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Fishin' in the Dark," though it does not have the scenic immediacy, this Wendy Waldman/Photoglo still is one of the finest work of art in country music.



Among the newer originals, Photoglo's finest moments are in the ballads. While many poets and scribes have tried to define love, Photoglo's "That's What Love Is" is a worthy attempt. Guided by just an acoustic guitar for the most part, listen especially to how Photoglo croons: "When the phone rings and I hope that it's you/When the day ends and you'll be home soon/I Catch myself smiling/.../My heart flies like a leaf in the fall/The poets may disagree/But baby that's love to me." And to concretize what a great ballader Photoglo is, "That's How Strong Love Is," a tale about growing old together, reams with a heartwarming fervor that even the stars are charmed.



But Photoglo does cut loose on "Slam the Door," a bluesy house stomp tinkered by some Jerry-Lewis-type piano playing. Smothering also is "Baby Looks Good," a guitar lead rocker in praise of his pregnant wife, is Photoglo's best bet at targeting country radio. Despite being released on a small label, big things truly do come in small packages. While many of today's country CDs are all about the beep and the bang, "Sparks in the Radio" champions on the quality of its songs-songs well written and songs that sparkle with lives of their own."