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Roy Orbison in Pitsmoor

m. r. miodonski | Chicago | 09/29/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have no idea where Pitsmoor is, but Mr. Hawley has a song entitled 'Naked in Pitsmoor', so that was the impetus for my intriguing--some might say bold?--title for my review. 'Coming Home', the lead-off track, is one of the great songs in the sad-sack-with-a-guitar-and-reverb-on-a-barely-audible-backing-guitar-that-sounds-like-falling-nickels-echoing-through-a-cave...mmm...tradtion. Touches like these and, perhaps most notably, intentional mistakes like occasionally not holding the guitar string down hard enough on a highlighted note, work to endear the listener and warm their collective bellies. Whilst discussing the energy levels (heat and cold are just different levels in energy...err..but i digress) in strangers' abdomens, one cannot help but comment on Richard Hawley's voice, which was snidely referred to as Ian McCulloch doing impersonations of various singers such as the aforementioned Roy Orbison, as well as Frank Sinatra. However, they make the correct observation that Mr. Hawley is in danger of forever being compared to other singers if he does not somehow make his voice his own. (Of course, they make no suggestion of how, exactly, he can accomplish this; perhaps he could introduce himself to the listener during the intro, and remind them during the middle eight.)
Anyway, he has a new album coming this October of 2001, and I am looking forward to seeing how he can improve on this debut EP (with an LP price, natch)."

Masterful Debut Album

Troubadour | Los Angeles, U.S.A. | 08/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first album of Richard Hawely was his "Cole's Corner", which I loved, and that led me to his other albums, all great as well.



This one, his first solo work, has only seven songs but is still worth whatever price it has. The songs as beautiful.



This album also features Hawely's saddest and probably most beautiful song ever, "Coming Home".



If you enjoyed "Cole's Corner", then you must give this album chance, as indeed all his works. The man is a musical genius is the very truest sense of the word."

Intoxicating

R. Beliak | Pittsburgh, PA | 09/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, I can't believe that anyone would say that Richard Hawley needs to develop his own voice. I've never heard anything like it -- absolutely intoxicating, especially in the wonderful Naked in Pitsmoor. His voice is deep, rich and perfectly imperfect, never silky or sweet. But no matter, just know that you won't regret buying this album."