Author: cory

I’ve been putting this off until I had a solid hour or two to really give you the feedback your endeavor merits. I definitely hear the Jellyfish influence. Your ambition is inspiring. I love the fact that you tackle such complicated songs and diverse genres and styles. I like Crazy Old Man. This is one of the better tracks. My Oyster: Banjo is cool. Bright in Your Ways: This is very pretty. I wouldn’t change a thing. Take Some Time: I like the plucking and bass. Janette’s harmonies are awesome and well-placed. Her singing about the “sugar-plumb fairies sticky when you dry” is awesome. Did I mention how excellent all your musicians are? A Little Extra is your hit single and that’s a given. It’s very catchy and all the little cool parts move the whole song and contribute it to it being one piece. The bass kicks (butt). A definite gem. Never Shatter You: No one could ever say that your music is not rich enough. Drifting Away: Piano is very nice. Your diverse instrumentations are really challenging and cool. The Story of Heaven: Good thing I used to listen to lots of 70’s art rock. The Fountain of Salamacis has nothing on this. This would be a great multi-media program because so much is going on – listen to that organ! The mixing on the voices is pretty cool. In the Doorway: Cool harpsichord – it’s always cool when someone other than Tori Amos uses one! Wow, I just read the lyrics. That’s intense. That’s courageous of you to write about your dad. It’s really compelling. Our Town: This is a pretty song too. Haunting like that reviewer said. I like the flute. For Janette: How could I critique the song you used to propose to your wife (even if it is one of the best songs on the album)? All your strengths are permanent: ear for hooks, rich instrumentation, complex song structuring, variety, cool voice, cool wife’s voice. I can’t wait to hear you live!

I have listened to it back and forth numerous times, in fact dozens of times. I have played it for Tony, my country singer friend, and George, my rockabilly guitar hurling friend, and to a few others who know the local music biz. Both said that your CD was excellent, especially in terms of production, musicianship, lyrics and originality. Tony said that he heard Freddy Mercury-esque elements in the lyrics. George said he thought some of it could have been intended for rock-opera, or perhaps musicals (Never Shatter You). Tony pointed to elements not unlike Sergeant Pepper/Beatles. Your writing, from what I hear and see (jacket), is playful, intelligent, articulate and it is obvious to me (being fixated on language use) that you would have spent a lot of time working on choice of words. The subject matter touches on a number of issues which I believe are worthwhile and current (Chernobyl, racism, militarism/war, etc.), sincere and heartfelt (the ubiquitous *profound* I am afraid to use, but I hope you know my meaning), upbeat (the song with Janette for instance) and intelligent musically (Share My Soul rounds in Without You, voice separations and arrangement in Bright in Your Ways). I also see the talent both in your voice (Heaven) and playing (Our Town). I guess from this, you know you have a “Nook in the North.” Bravo!

Our Town is an epic — it takes you through lots.

Songs I really dig: The Story of Heaven, In the Doorway (“A strange relief that it was over”… you break my heart). Songs I hate: None (what good am I?) I actually like them all!

Ok, so here it is: my favorites (with commentary): 1.Without You (just a really good pop tune, with that killer middle section you always look forward to); 2. Story Of Heaven (clever lyrics, creative use of melody, rock guitar, and the Yes-ish chorus); 3.Little Rock Don’t Break (three weeks ago I would not have chosen this one, but I like it more as I listen to it — good storytelling, use of sound, guitar, aggressive but not harsh to ear). Other honorable mentions include Drifting Away, In The Doorway, Take Some Time… By the way, Track 13 is a big hit with the ladies across the hall.

This &%@&$$* is great! I put it right in my car cassette player after I saw you, and I listened to the first few songs and said “This is great ^$@*#!#!!” Your vocal range is incredible.. Anyway, I just wanted to call and tell you I appreciate it, and thank you for your music.

The lyrics! were truly wonderful — in the light of current music, really remarkable. Powerful images and adept phrasing enhance the thoughtful and provoking messages. I especially liked Little Rock Don’t Break, Never Shatter You, In The Doorway, and Our Town. There wasn’t one I did not like.

You have a great voice, like Freddie Mercury. Have you heard of Gentle Giant? It also reminds me of them.

I am VERY IMPRESSED! You are so talented. Do people ever tell you that you sound like Michael Feinstein? I mean that as a compliment because I love how he sings all of the old Gershwin songs. I loved your proposal song(!) and even more the sentiment behind it. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall witnessing your romantic proposal

I was listening to some tracks off My Oyster a bunch of times last week and it occurred to me that you could write a damn good musical. Have you ever considered writing for musical theater? Your musical styles are compatible for a musical theater format (and I don’t mean that as an insult.) You can successfully write for orchestration and a number of different vocalists. You have shown that you can write songs expressing a range of emotions! Your songs are thick and rich, both musically and lyrically! It’s taken me a long time to get a handle on your music (8 months!) because it’s so dense. I also hear Cory Cullinan in the music… I hear you inside the music, and I can’t imagine writing much music with that personal intensity without feeling drained. Perhaps for you it’s a source of inspiration.