Pop Nirvana
Charles Horton | Nashville, TN United States | 09/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Those in search of high melodicism, and brilliant, diverse songwriting and performance need look no farther. Like his previous three full length projects, David Scott - who is, in essence, Pearlfishers - brings forth another totally absorbing musical journey. On 'Sky Meadows'', warmer and richer in piano and orchestration than past albums, we visit "unicorn trains with monkeys holding on to the reins", and The Gay Fishmonger: "salmon eyes like pissholes in the snow". And 'I Can't Believe You Met Nancy' is as perfect a
Beatlesque pop song as I've heard. David dolls out both levity and despair, joy and pathos, irony and fantasy - in equal measure. His songwriting is liberating and inspiring - Free of affectation and any commercial consideration.The man seems to be skipping through a field of poppies musically (with the occasional muddy belly-flop).
I am even intrigued with what appears to be intentional flaws left in the recordings. On all Pearlfisher albums there are occasional out of tune guitars, hoarse vocal lines, and string/horn parts that seem to be played by some grade school amateurs. (the French horn on Swan Dreams sounds like its played by a 3 year old who can barely blow into it. Almost laughable.) But rather than distract, these anomalies are quite charming - and disarming - as if over-polishing the songs with perfect string arrangements and Pop-sheen mixes would destroy the intent. Which, I believe, having not spoken to David Scott, is to create the vibe of the great pop bands of the pre-sheen 60's and early 70's. Clearly the Beach Boys and Beatles are prime influences here. David has that Mike Love/Brian Wilson vocal thing going on - but in his own unique way. Bottom line is: I can't get this or any of the other three Pearlfishers CD's off my player - at home or car. The songs stick in my brain and will not dislodge - (Pantohorse drives me crazy). Buy this man's CD's and hopefully he'll be encouraged to leave Scotland for a long overdue U.S. tour.
I will be there."
David Scott does it again
PV Titan | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA United States | 09/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"David Scott, the mastermind behind Glasgow's The Pearlfishers, has never hidden his love for his musical heroes, most notably Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney and Burt Bacharach. On "Sky Meadows," the band's fifth release, Scott has once again fashioned a dozen gems that are pure ear candy for lovers of early '70s AM radio. And while the influence of Scott's favorite artists may never be far away - "Todd Is God" is his ode to Todd Rundgren - "Sky Meadows" succeeds because of his own talents. As chief songwriter, arranger and producer, Scott successfully shifts from piano ballads to jangly pop with nary a rough edge. While not powerful, Scott's vocals, which he often doubles, evoke a sense of innocence and urgency well-suited for his songs of yearning for summer days while coping with an increasingly cold world."
The Pearlfishers' Most Diverse Offering Yet!
Richard S. Ledford | Provo, Utah | 03/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sky meadows is the Pearlfishers last, full-length album released the fall of 2003 (they released an E.P of original holiday music the end of 2004). This is perhaps their most diverse album, both musically and lyrically. Sky Meadows takes a similar production path as its predecessor, Across The Milky Way, and adds the wider use of horns and winds this time around. Some dissonant seconds (chords) help capture and maintain the listener's interest. Here are some album highlights:
Flora Belle- A song about a newborn who is admonished to explore what the world is all about but is also warned that it isn't as grand as everyone says it is. Musically, the song starts out with similar chords as Love's Theme by the Love Unlimited Orchestra.
Sky Meadows- This song has a very baroque feel to it and reminds me of the song, For No One by the Beatles. The musical bridge comes early in the song- in fact, right after the first verse and even before the chorus. It is a creative piece about "unicorn trains" being guided by monkeys.
Todd Is God- A paean to Todd Rundgren, one of David Scott's musical heroes. it also contains some nice major seventh chords.
My Dad The Weatherfan- Perhaps my favorite song on the C.D.. It is reminiscent of Todd Rundgren's, I Saw The Light, combined with a Bacharach treatment in the musical bridge.
The Gay Fishmonger- One of the Pearlfishers' darker songs, written in a minor key (not too common for the "Pearlies"). This track is musically similar in feel to the song, Toulouse Street by The Doobie Brothers.
Pantohorse- This track frolics with a definite Broadway feel and then slows down ro an easy pace in a separate segment of the song.
Swan Dreams- A very quiet, dulcet ballad that imaginatively depicts the dream state of swans. It features only voice and acoustic piano on the verses with a flute and trumpet interlude between the verses.
Say Goodbye To The Fairground- This is a song about growing up and has a Lloyd Cole feel in the music and vocals.
A five star rating for this fine C.D., hands down!
Here is a brief overview of the band:
The Pearlfishers, from Glasgow, are a retro, alternative pop band with 60s and 70s influences. They could be THE MOST MELODIC, "HOOK-LADEN" BAND IN THE WORLD! Their intelligent lyrics express well the vicissitudes of contemporary life. These, along with the strong melodic hooks, interesting chord progressions and tempo changes pique your aural sensations and leave you wanting MORE! Their musical influences are Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Todd Rundgren and Burt Bacharach. David Scott, the chief "Pearlie" (composer, vocalist, arranger, producer and multi-instrumentalist-whew!) has un uncanny sense of melody which comes along only once in awhile. Their music generally remains warm, sunny and infectious even in the midst of their occasional, 'dark" lyrics. And in spite of their musical influences, the Pearlfishers maintain their own distinctive sound!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1