Review - "The Landlord Or The Guest" by Bill Mumy
This post is somewhat of a departure for me, and I hope everyone’s toes are out of the way. I certainly don’t intend to step on them.
“The Landlord Or The Guest” - A Review
I never ceased to be amazed when anyone takes, in essence, eight simple notes and creates what amounts to an entirely new world. In “The Landlord Or The Guest” Bill Mumy steers you through this world with tender ferocity. Facing shades of universal emotion and processing their delicate textures through his instruments, he generates a sound, uniquely, his own. In more tangible realities, this world might be defined by a contrast of flavors; in turns salty, sour, sweet and inexplicable.
From the lively, yet somehow melancholy, plinking of the banjo on “Harrigan By The Sea” to the raw electricity of the title track, Mr. Mumy’s digits never let him down. Haunting harmonies are, at times, in the forefront while the melodies remain on a subliminal path, not about to be left behind. His voice is obviously married to the tunes; an appropriate complement to the message on many of the tracks.
Lacking sufficient knowledge to further examine technical construction, I can only add my frustration at being unable to achieve the vocal range of Mr. Mumy in “Change Myself”, despite the remarkable acoustics in my shower.
Lyrically as eclectic as it is musically, the phrasing runs the gamut from the simple and direct “Why does it hurt to be in love?” , to as cryptic as an Irish poet in “I’ve hidden in the graveyard, to avoid being dead.” For what it’s worth (coming from someone who for years was convinced that Elton John was imploring his “Tiny Dancer” to “Count the head lice on the highway”), on every track within “Landlord” the intentions feel subtly layered, offering a new experience at each listening. A glimpse into this complex world was well worth the price of the CD.
And as with any guide worth their salt, the true wonderment of Mr. Mumy’s music isn’t only in the out of the way, seldom visited, places he may take you, but in the avenues he provides for embarking on your own discovery. Those spaces between the notes? He left those there for you.
I suppose that’s why strangers like him… ”Ain’t that strange?”
Pinhole's Shop
WOW! I love how your words describe this album perfectly!
Reply to this
Thank you, Susanne.
And thank you very much for stopping by!
Reply to this
Awesome reveiw! I'm so happy to have found it. Well said, and great job!
Reply to this
Thank you, Glennda, for your kind words.
And welcome to the suburbs of O'Rourkeville; feel free to look around!
Reply to this
Hey Pinhole !! Glad to hear ya dig Moome's music like a hole bunch of us..
You must now try a Cozmoom Beverage,( Developed by Mr.Mumy Himself ) which Miss. SueS ( Above ) has the secret recipe on her Myspace site..
peace , Tone
Reply to this
Thanks Tone!
I couldn't find her myspace page earlier, but I'll keep trying until my thirst is quenched!
Thanks for the visit,
Pinhole
Reply to this
Nice review Pinhole! I've not heard of this artist before, I'll have to check him out.
Reply to this
You're probably too young to have seen many of his more prominent acting roles, WV. I sure hope I didn't trample your territory. I just picked up the CD and wanted to let people know about it.
Thanks.
Reply to this
It's possible that I've seen him on reruns if TV, or in movies (I love old movies and sitcoms), but I'm terrible with celeb names.
And of course not! Actually, I weaseled in on a few other sites- for the same reason you posted the review. To let people know about great music.
*lol* I just noticed that you linked to me at the top- thanks!
Reply to this
You're welcome, WV.
I'm glad you don't feel as though I was trespassing, because I have a couple of other reviews I might like to write in the future. Not sure yet. My kids went to school with the children of one of the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and two of his boys have gone on to forge their own careers. I never knew them personally, but have watched them perform since junior high age. It might be fun to review their music, now.
Reply to this
I loved your review, and I'm looking forward to the others.
Funny, my husband went to school with Jim Furyk, and a former co-worker was in Furyk's homeroom.
Reply to this
Small world, isn't it? That guy has to have the strangest swing I've ever seen, but it seems to work for him and I enjoy watching him play. He seems very genuine.
Thanks.
Reply to this
Loved your descriptions....WOW....makes me want to listen to the CD except I loaned out my speakers. Maybe in the near future I can actually hear what you so aptly described.
Reply to this
Thanks Ms. Zola.
It's well worth picking up whenever your speakers are returned.
Reply to this
I live a sheltered life spent mostly listening to Gregorian chant, so I'll confess, I've never heard of this guy. But after that graveyard line, I think I better go see what he's all about. Your post was a good jump start into (apprently) a weird world.
Malcolm
Reply to this
If you thought that was cryptic, Malcolm, here's a phrase from the title track:
"Seeking the unseekable
In a back red leather booth
The waiter brought Courvoisier
But no one ordered truth"
Check him out, not weird, necessarily, but very good.
Reply to this
Very nice, Pinhole. Beautifully written!
Reply to this
Thank you, Montucky.
I know you've mentioned that you rarely listen to music, but if you ever desire a short break from the natural music you enjoy, I can honestly recommend Mr. Mumy's CD.
Reply to this
This is indeed good stuff - thanks for letting me know about it. I might actually buy the CD instead of pirating it.
Crap - was that out loud?
Reply to this
Shh! I can definitely recommend it. You are much more adept, musically, than I am, but I think you'll enjoy several of the tracks.
Reply to this
Great review, Pinhole. You do a very nice job writing about music, and I've loved the recommendations you've mentioned to me from time to time. Mr. Mumy's lyrics (from the links) are very intriguing.
I was at a bluegrass concert last weekend. A band called No Strings Attached was the main attraction, but there was a sort of open mic night too. It was lots of fun. I thought of you, while listening to the sounds of banjo, mandolin, and guitar. You would have really enjoyed it.
Reply to this
Thanks, PC.
The concert sounds like it would have been fun. I do like me some bluegrass on occasion.
Reply to this