Review - "The Landlord Or The Guest" by Bill Mumy

Posted by Pinhole at 11/19/2007 9:37 AM
Categories: Music, Review, Humor, Souls, Thoughts
Tags: Soul Patch Sales Business


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?”

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Excuse me for a moment while I depart from this review for a moment:

 

 

Given the growing intolerance of our society, and the irrational fascination with celebrity, I find that if I am to continue living in the United States I no longer have need for a soul.  Therefore, I’ve decided to sell it…a piece at a time.

To insure the devil doesn‘t get his grubby paws (or cloven hooves, whatever) on it, I’m offering these parcels at a reasonable price to the general public.

A portion of the proceeds will be directed toward efforts promoting global cooperation and glorifying adequacy, as I see fit.  I’m keeping my conscience.

Be the first on your block to own “Pinhole’s Soul Patch”

(Not seen actual size)

A steal at only $1.95                   $2.95 Autographed

Pinhole's Soul Patch

Tell your friends!  Tell your enemies!

 

At this point, it really doesn’t matter.

 

Affectionately,

Pinhole

Pinhole's Shop

 

 

 

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