Search - Paul Burch :: Fool for Love

Traditional country with a modern edge

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 01/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul is multi-talented - he is not only a great singer, but he also writes all his own songs and plays several instruments. His music is clearly rooted in traditional country though he does not limit himself to traditional instruments, so the result is a traditional album with a modern edge, though it has no hint of pop crossover. Only a die-hard traditionalist who wants music that sounds exactly as it did way back when could complain at the results. Although the album was recorded in Nashville, Paul's music is not the kind of stuff that generally appeals to the major labels these days, though he is far more talented than most country singers signed to major labels these days.On Paul's website, the songs are described as being about love in modern life put to the beat of the honky tonk sound that is his trademark. Actually, I was trying to think which other, more famous, country singer that Paul most reminds me of but nobody stands out. Paul has clearly absorbed many influences in creating his own sound.The set opens with Lovesick blues boy, which has an infectious beat but starts by describing his difficult upbringing and ends as a love song. Bad girl she used to be tell the story of how Paul fell in love with a woman then found out that she didn't live up to her reputation. Life of a fool is an upbeat, rocking song. There are many other great songs here - indeed, every song here is brilliant.If you enjoy traditional country with a modern edge, you will love this album."

Paul Burch may not be God, but he could be his minstrel...

nagmagnet | Palmdale, California United States | 02/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Firstly, let me preface by saying that I know Paul Burch. We worked together in college radio at Purdue University, where he avidly debunked the idea that Hoosiers were unsophisticated consumers of music at best and complete, tone-deaf Philistines, intolerant of innovation and ignorant of heritage, at their worst. Paul has an incredible ability to hear a piece of popular music, then either repeat it back note for note, phrase for phrase, or (disconcertingly) transposed into a completely different genre that often works as well or better than the original. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a passion for its roots. It's not enough for Paul to listen to Elvis Costello's "Get Happy." He tells you which songs are based on what inspiration, and often what inspired that. It is a true joy to hear such a genuine enthusiast, at play as it were, in the fields of his first and truest love. With Paul, American roots music is not just a costume drama. It is what he lives, which is why he can "sell" songs as diverse as "How Do I Know? [Blue Notes]", "Aliceville Rag [Last of My Kind]", and "Lovesick Blues Boy", from the current offering. Paul Burch is an all-too-rare treasure in the land of American Idol: an artist with enthusiasm, without pretension, able to stand on his own feet and acknowledge the giants on whose shoulders he stands. Buy the record, man!"

Sam Cooke of country

M. Womack | Los Angeles, CA USA | 02/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An amazingly beautiful and subtley swinging record. This cat sings like a bird and seems to be such a thoroughly limber, versatile, and creative songwriter that I'm surprised he hasn't been drafted to write film scores instead of making perfect and almost unheard country (or pop? or soul) records like a modern day Cinderella, waiting to be plucked from obscurity. Cynical minds beware, you'll be humming all of these songs in almost no time and will become a believer after the first listen. I can't wait for the next one. Oh, and his live performances rock."