Search - Todd Snider :: East Nashville Skyline

Vintage Vinyl

Todd Smith | Sunny Florida | 07/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hearing Todd Snider's East Nashville Skyline is like listening to a bit of vintage vinyl. Everything from the warm analog production to the length of the album harkens back to the days when a dusty old pile of records was a good evening's entertainment. Instead of overproduction and heavily doctored music that many of its contemporaries rely upon, the record possesses instead a unique vibe that fits Snider perfectly.



For children of the 70s, the record is quite a ride. For fans of Snider's beer-guzzling party anthems this album a bit of a departure despite having its share of clever, twisting lyrics and even a rowdy sing-along. East Nashville Skyline, a tribute to both Bob Dylan and Snider's own neighborhood, is ultimately much more than witty one-liners: it is a deeply personal set of songs that obviously comes from the soul of the talented, yet troubled troubador.



The album leads off with a witty recollection of the journey that has been Todd's musical career called "Age Like Wine" including references to the inevitable comparison of his "old stuff" to his "new stuff." The album rolls along with "Play a Train Song" which is arranged like a classic Johnny Cash tune and stands as a testament to Snider's road manager, friend, and one-time self-proclaimed mayor of East Nashville, Skip Litz. A cover of Fred Eaglesmith's "Alcohol and Pills" is one of the better cuts on the album with a heartfelt rendition from Snider, whose well-known substance abuse problems lends a sense of sincerity to the song. "The Ballad of the Kingsmen" exudes incredible California vibe and serves as a wry indictment of placing blame upon rock music for societal problems. Classic Snider sarcasm peeks out from "Conservative Christian, Right Wing, Republican, Straight White American Males" which despite being a protest song is a throwback to classic country music with buckets of twang. Snider goes on to praise pianist Jason D. Williams, rowdy Texan Jack Ingram, and some aspects of his current hometown on a rolling tune aptly titled "Nashville."



The real highlight of the album is the surprisingly honest "Sunshine." The song is moody and hopeful at the same time, chronicling via a hypothetical third-party Snider's own bouts of depression. Heartbreakingly matter-of-fact it does not paint suicide as a dramatic cry for attention but rather focuses on the very real resignation for some victims that it is simply a decision to end the despair. Despite focusing on such a tragic topic, the song ends on an upbeat note giving hope to both the listener and Todd himself. The song is unlike any Todd has written--nearly spoken with a bright, yet haunting backdrop of hollow accompaniment. Further, fans who know his own struggles will find this a very open look into the normally private battle.



At various points in the album, you'll find flashbacks to some of the artists that influence Todd: the confessional lyrics of John Prine; the folksy harmonica and sweet guitar of Neil Young and Dylan; the narrative stylings of Tom Petty and to an extent Lou Reed. Amazingly it all is blended in a distinctive style that is Todd's alone--albeit with help from co-producer and obscenely talented Will Kimbrough who plays just about everything on this record. Together they have created what may be the seminal Todd Snider sound via an album sure to impress."

A great collection of heartfelt songs

Rufus T. Firefly | Boston, MA | 08/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm new to Todd Snider, and thanks to this album, I'm a committed fan. I heard the side-splittingly funny "Conservative, Christian, Right-Wing, Republican, Straight White American Males" on the radio and the next day I trucked right out and bought the album. I have to say, it is a relief when you buy an album based on one song, only to find that they are all as good as the first!



Snider has a wonderful musical range. He shifts from the twangy "Conservative..." to the playfully intimate "Enjoy Yourself" to the harder and darker cover of "Alcohol and Pills", pulling off all these styles with aplomb. The recording has a lovely ragged, dirty analog edge, which gives it real warmth. Snider also has a great sly sense of humor, which shows up right from the get go in "Age Like Wine" and continues right through the last chord of "Enjoy Yourself".



My favorite tracks are "Conservative...", an uproarious look at the political divide in our country today; "Age Like Wine", where Snider shows his amazement at still even being here playing; "Enjoy Yourself", a gentle and funny encouragement to stop working so hard and worrying so much; "Good News Blues", a silly bluesy takeoff....well heck, I really like *every* song on the album. If you like music that will get your feet tapping, or that will get your brain working, or that will tickle your funny bone, or just something great to groove to as you roll down your windows and barrel down the country roads, this is it. Highly recommended!"

Strand me on an island with this one

Music fan | 09/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, with East Nasville Skyline, Todd Snider has made the studio recording that reflect his true heart and soul (of which there apparently is plenty). It is fluid. It is Todd Snider. It is what every fan of Todd Snider knew he could do. This cd is one that should be on your list of "Five cd's that I would want to be stranded on an island with."



This recording gives the listener insight to life and times of Todd Snider. It comes across as deeply personal, giving insight into Todd's battles with addiction and his views of life on the road, politics and organized religion. He is a master observer of himself and others. It is simultaneously funny and thought provoking. Buy one for yourself and surprise a friend who has never heard of Todd Snider.



Every time I listen to this cd, I find a new layer that I didn't hear on the prior listen. It will blow you away on the first listen, and continue to just amaze you thereafter. You will not tire of this cd. And, of course, go see Todd Snider live when he comes to your town.





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