Blaine Larsen - Off To Join The World
Album review by: Cheryl Harvey Hill
Despite a greater degree of diversity emerging in recent years (thanks primarily to Shania, Faith, Tim and Kenny), there are a lot of misconceptions about country music. A large portion of the world population is under the impression that to be a good country music singer, you must be a well weathered, well-worn (lived/loved/lost at least a few times), older soul; able to sing with a twang in your voice, an ache in your heart and you must have dropped at least a few tears in your beer over the years to be able to pay homage to the heartache of the genre.
The reality is that despite the fact that it has found a loving home, and thrives, in honky tonks, it wasn't born in them. Country music wasn't necessarily born in the country either, unless you are referring to the USA. Its most alluring and universal appeal around the world is that its subject matter isn't limited to "misery and gin;" country music is about every day life and age has nothing to do with the ability to deliver lyrics with a major, gut-wrenching punch; singer/songwriter Blaine Larsen is certainly absolute proof of that.
Like many of his youthful predecessors, Larsen's sophisticated baritone demonstrates that although you may only be on your first trip around the proverbial block, it doesn't mean you haven't experienced some of life's more enlightening and profound lessons. The first single released from the album, "How Do You Get that Lonely," is the perfect example of this. I'm sure the popularity of this song is also the spot on barometer for the entire album. Despite its dark subject matter, or perhaps because of it, it has impacted the charts in a big way. More importantly, this song has generated a dialog about a subject that definitely needs to be addressed.
One of my favorite songs on the album is the enchanting, highly visual, title cut, "Off To Join The World (The Circus Song)." This wonderful waltz, with its whimsical musical score, calliope sounds, lilting mandolin, ringmasters whistle and enchanting lyrics has a meter that is charmingly magical. From first note to last, this song is a pure delight that will leave you smiling for hours after it ends.
"I've Been in Mexico," "The Man He'll Never Be," "Teaching Me How to Love You," (with its great harmony on the chorus) are all radio worthy and certain to keep Larsen on the charts for a long time and when none other than Merle himself sings the last stanza on "If Merle Would Sing My Song," well, now that's impressive. If you can get Merle to sing on your album, that's a pretty strong endorsement of your talent.
www.BlaineLarsen.com
Despite a greater degree of diversity emerging in recent years (thanks primarily to Shania, Faith, Tim and Kenny), there are a lot of misconceptions about country music. A large portion of the world population is under the impression that to be a good country music singer, you must be a well weathered, well-worn (lived/loved/lost at least a few times), older soul; able to sing with a twang in your voice, an ache in your heart and you must have dropped at least a few tears in your beer over the years to be able to pay homage to the heartache of the genre.
The reality is that despite the fact that it has found a loving home, and thrives, in honky tonks, it wasn't born in them. Country music wasn't necessarily born in the country either, unless you are referring to the USA. Its most alluring and universal appeal around the world is that its subject matter isn't limited to "misery and gin;" country music is about every day life and age has nothing to do with the ability to deliver lyrics with a major, gut-wrenching punch; singer/songwriter Blaine Larsen is certainly absolute proof of that.
Like many of his youthful predecessors, Larsen's sophisticated baritone demonstrates that although you may only be on your first trip around the proverbial block, it doesn't mean you haven't experienced some of life's more enlightening and profound lessons. The first single released from the album, "How Do You Get that Lonely," is the perfect example of this. I'm sure the popularity of this song is also the spot on barometer for the entire album. Despite its dark subject matter, or perhaps because of it, it has impacted the charts in a big way. More importantly, this song has generated a dialog about a subject that definitely needs to be addressed.
One of my favorite songs on the album is the enchanting, highly visual, title cut, "Off To Join The World (The Circus Song)." This wonderful waltz, with its whimsical musical score, calliope sounds, lilting mandolin, ringmasters whistle and enchanting lyrics has a meter that is charmingly magical. From first note to last, this song is a pure delight that will leave you smiling for hours after it ends.
"I've Been in Mexico," "The Man He'll Never Be," "Teaching Me How to Love You," (with its great harmony on the chorus) are all radio worthy and certain to keep Larsen on the charts for a long time and when none other than Merle himself sings the last stanza on "If Merle Would Sing My Song," well, now that's impressive. If you can get Merle to sing on your album, that's a pretty strong endorsement of your talent.
www.BlaineLarsen.com
