Jeffrey Dean Foster – Million Star Hotel
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Posted On July 1, 2006
Avoiding the shortcuts and vanity pitfalls that plague many self-released projects, Jeffrey Dean Foster delivers a strong personal statement with wide-ranging appeal on Million Star Hotel. The foundation is classic rock — a musical antiquity for some — but like Jeff Tweedy, Foster knows how to sweep out the cobwebs and rattle-test the walls.
The narrative is a soul journey. “Lily Of The Highway” begins with a lo-fi vocal, quickly brought to hi-def by a backbeat and a chance encounter on the road. On “The Summer Of The Son Of Sam”, starlight and hope spring eternal as this tune goes from eerie to anthemic in one soaring chord.
Freedom and youthful energy have their limitations. On “Little Priest”, the cracks show, as raucous roadhouse is countered midsong by a haunting choir. “Break Her Heart” brings everything crashing down with sharp, poetic concision.
Regret dominates the album’s middle third. These songs seem particularly well-served by Foster’s aching vocals and the dramatic assurance of the production.
Resolution comes in a series of dreamy, introspective psalms and more secular prayers, most notably “Milk And Honey”. Its arrangement is a departure, with muted voice, horns, keyboards, percussion. “I’ve seen the end and it’s OK,” Foster sighs. The effect is serenity with an edge.
