Matthew Solberg - I am a Fool
And the winner of the Elliott Smith sound-alike contest is…
Actually there are some significant differences between Elliott Smith and Matthew Solberg. While Smith embodies a introvert Emo quality, Solberg is a bit more wistful and romantic. His free online album I Am A Fool delivers well crafted songs by a talented lyricist and vocalist. Asides from having a great voice his guitar work really stands out especially on the instrumental “Desirae and Dolores”. Overall, this is a lovely album of acoustic folk-pop songs.
The album is available for the artist’s web site in 320kbps MP3.
There’s a line of quality that goes through all these tunes - this takes them away from the usual, run-of-the-mill singer-songwriter angsty stuff that is featured on so many free albums. You know the scenario - got a guitar, a mike and a programme. Next step - record myself singing in a barely audible whisper because I’m too embarrassed about what I’m doing for anybody to overhear me in my bedroom. But that doesn’t stop me releasing it to the world via the internet and making a tit of myself.
Matthew Solberg can play his guitar, has a nice (not great) voice, and some decent songs. This is obviously a first effort but a worthy one.
Comment by Greenockian — July 4, 2009 @ 8:28 am