Search - Stephen Bishop :: Yardwork

Bish's Best

douglas barton | Arlington, Va. | 05/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In all honesty I probably shouldn't even be writing this review. Truth be told I'm a die-hard fan of Stephen Bishop and so my opinion regarding the release of " Yardwork " is somewhat tainted. I still regard his album " Bish " to be one of the greatest treasure's known to Pop music anywhere and I could probably write a dissertation on that remarkable disc alone! Nevertheless, since I find this artist totally engaging and, without a doubt, one of the most under-rated of singer/songwriters working today then a review is most definitely in order. Though I'll try not sing my praises too loudly. In the words of W. Shakespeare " I've come to praise Bish, not bury him. " Or something like that.Granted a new release by Stephen Bishop is always a welcome event in my small world and " Yardwork " is certainly no exception. Granted its a rather laidback affair featuring, for the most part, just our singer plus the accompinament of his guitar but a wonderful disc it remains. There are truly wonderful songs i.e. " Promise Me The World " " I Wanna Feel That Way " and others plus even some older, well-known classics such as " On and On " " Looking For The Right One " and my perennial favorite " Red Cab to Manhattan " as well. Overall, the effect can be very intimate and inviting as though Stephen were right there in your living room, guitar in hand, seranading the fortunate listener. As usual, all of Bish's songs have that wonderful melody, unforgettable hook and with lyrics that while confessional also maintain a certain wry humour. Music this good simply derserves to be listened to! It still befuddles me why this songwriter, while covered by a variety of singers, isn't hugely popular in this country. One of life's greatest mysteries, no doubt! Well, after all these accolades ( there would be many more but I'm trying to use some discretion here! ) I do hope you may consider picking up a copy of " Yardwork " and while we're at it lets ask for the disc to be released here in the States as well! If I can pony up the cost of this import ( and I'm widely known for my "thriftiness"! ) then its most definitely worthy of your pocketbook as well. Lets see...smart lyrics, beautiful, heartfelt melodies married with a mature sense of romance all makes for a truly remarkable cd. Ya gotta trust me...have I ever steered you wrong?"

A little raw, but some great new songs

A. Butterfield | UK | 03/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is mostly just Bish and his guitar, recorded in the most stripped-down way you can. There are several new songs, all of them pretty good and none poor. While it's interesting to hear the stripped-down old songs, it's the new ones that are most interesting. 'Make it Last' is particularly good, and a real classic Bish song.

After nearly thirty years, Bish still sounds pretty good, though you could say he's pushing it with the odd high note! Bish's acoustic/rock guitar style is distinctive and original too. I love the intro to 'My Blue Window' for instance.

For Bish fans, a loyal bunch, it's essential listening."

Stripped down and simple!

M. Basil | Canada, eh? | 11/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every since the advent of CDs I have been predicting a return to acoustic music. I figured that the high audio quality of a digital recording would allow a level of intimacy that would be almost as good as having your favorite artist in your living room. Well, FINALLY somebody gets it. (I was hoping the redone Beatles album would get it. But that is only a marginally different version.)



With regard to content, these songs are typically solid Bish. But what sets this CD apart is the intimacy of the recording -- just Bish and his acoustic guitar! I am even in favor of revisiting his old material -- I just LOVE the sound. As I sit here writing this I am thinking I once saw Stephen perform live at the Golden Bear in Hunting Beach. Or maybe that's just the feeling of this album.



Anyway, let's have some more of these one-and-one instrument and vocal recordings! Congrats Stephen on getting it first. AN here's to keeping it up in the future!"