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Thanks to the ageism of record companies and label execs who generally
welcome 36-year-old singer-songwriters with the same level of enthusiasm as
they would a bout of SARS, artists such as Bill Deasy have almost been
threatened with extinction.
Yet, Deasy's is a voice that deserves -- and even demands -- to be heard,
and with an album as exquisite as Good Day, No Rain , ignorance of it is
definitely not bliss.
Aware of the fickle nature of the music business, the former Gathering Field
front man has decided to exercise full control of his labors by releasing
this, his second solo album, on his own Bound To Be Records via CD Baby.
From the first bars of the sprightly and clever "I Want to Know," it's clear
just how much this Pittsburgh native revels in his independence. The
melodies draw you in immediately. The production is sparse yet rich, and
Deasy's vocals are as affecting as ever.
His voice has shades of Springsteen on the delicately beautiful "In My Head"
and there's a hint of U2 in the soaring "I'll Rescue You," which develops
from barely a whisper into a song of epic proportions. Yet, Deasy's sound is
one all of his own and has such depth and power that the magnitude of songs
like the majestic "Who We Are," the intense "Prisoner" and the quite
breathtaking "The Gift of Seeing Through" can't be fully appreciated by a
mere cursory listen.
Deasy's lyrics are just as stirring as his music, and "Blue Sky Grey"
showcases this talent brilliantly, capping a song that could yet cause the
label execs to regret passing up this album.
In short, 'Good Day No Rain' is a thoroughly engaging and accessible album of
folk tinged pop-rock which proves that being an independent artist is
certainly no barrier to making music of the highest quality.
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