The Spin Doctors Vocalist Puts A Deep Engraved Stamp On Interesting Solo Inspired Songs

While I must admit I was never a big fan of The Spin Doctors, (they were not my generation of musicians) — I was able to appreciate their music and what they recorded. My sons brought them to my attention and of all the new bands coming out in 1988, they at least provided some interesting rock and roll.

This collection by the Grammy-nominated rock band The Spin Doctors’ frontman Chris Barron is a bit of a departure and has moments of open circuit clarity — it possesses some maturity in songwriting.

“Darken My Door,” has some nice Byrds-like chime to the guitars and Barron sings expressively and with a really cool vocal style (which for the most part he always had).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODZ_PQV91_g&index=3&list=PLFRL0o3w1uUpHtMqBrJ_nQuWTE7mZTfTQ

“Gonna (Need Someone)” is a more pensive acoustic piece and Barron sings with sincerity. Deep piano chords and sharp snare weave a neat melodic web. It’s basically a simple song but the magic is in its showcase. The musicians are all proficient and nothing is rushed or pushed and it is not sappy and syrupy.

It’s obvious that sometimes an artist connected to a high profile band either wants to spread wings with songs that don’t fit the band style. Or, the singer wants to just stretch and see where a new genre may lead. Or if it’s even possible.

Some singers change identities: Garth Brooks / Chris Gaines.

Missteps? Sometimes (for others). Songs like this tend to lead down a twisting path if the reins are not held tight and carefully. But Barron is a professional and he has good musical instincts.

At times the tune has the feel of what made some 60’s hits classics.

The music flows just below the surface of that pleasure you get from having heard a song many times and it becomes instantly recognizable. This is a cool reminder that the genre is alive and well. While Mr. Barron’s voice is not strong or as authoritative as say, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley, or Roger Daltry and Mick Jagger — at least it’s not as gruff as Leonard Cohen or Tom Waits. Or thin like Lyle Lovett or Antony. It does have a sweetness with a rock edge that is efficient and more closely associated with someone like Bono, Jim Kerr (Simple Minds), and the great lead vocalist and songwriter of the ancient Moby Grape Peter Lewis (“Changes, Circles Spinning,” “Right Before My Eyes.”). 

With “In a Cold Kind of May,” Barron continues to display a fresh vocal style and approach that I am enjoying. He uses this to great effect in “Raining Again.” This is one of his finest vocals on this collection. I like the way he pronounces his words and the musical drive is enthusiastic yet a little restrained – which can be good and it takes a little skill. The guitars have wonderful tone – and this may be the work of Andrew Carillo. Barron plays guitar as well so I am not sure who plays what here. The beat on the snare is sharp, crisp and I like the way the drummer has his skins tuned. Nothing overpowering but the presence is affirming. The entire arrangement for this piece is pleasurable. Typical of the contemporary New York music scene.

Barron got some invaluable advice from a high-school music teacher according to the press release. “…learn the rules so that you can break them.” I concur. It’s the only way to not be redundant or cliché-ridden. You need to consistently challenge yourself so you can challenge others.

“Saving Grace,” is another Byrds-like tune with a Roger McGuinn ring to the guitars. This track as well — may be one of Chris Barron’s best vocals. For some reason, certain songs resound better than others. Maybe it’s the key he is singing in or maybe he is just more into it. It’s urgent, gutsy and has confidence. The under the surface piano notes give the song lift without intruding.​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzYyboT8idg&index=7&list=PLFRL0o3w1uUpHtMqBrJ_nQuWTE7mZTfTQ

The song “Still a Beautiful World,” is the only tune so far that is in keeping with the marvelous CD artwork with its white-bearded top-hatted man, cello, and circus motif.

The song has some Beatle-Stackridge type horns in the arrangement and Barron’s vocal is borderline Walt Disney good. This is not rock music – this is great songwriting and singing. The little tale is something that would even appeal to a child. I applaud Barron for taking this path.

“The World Accordion to Garp,” is clever. It even mentions Elvis and has some imagistic lyrics. A tuba bellows in the background with a bright accordion up front. It’s in that Tom Waits kind of world. It rings at times of Brecht & Weill (“Mack the Knife”). Maybe not as dark and ominous. But it has a little Charles Dickens flavor in the tale. I liked this one quite a bit. Wonderful lyrics and concept. Is it rock? No…It’s Chris Barron on display with his sharp songwriting and singing skills. Chris is a good storyteller and it can be enjoyable…if you listen. The potential as a major songwriter who could be considered by other artists for covers of his songs is there. He needs to establish that more stridently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1eEL1Bo28U&list=PLFRL0o3w1uUpHtMqBrJ_nQuWTE7mZTfTQ&index=9

Jazzier and with brushes sliding across the snare and the silent tinkle of piano notes Chris Barron keeps his album’s mood low and moody, foggy and in a noir manner.

“Till the Cows Come Home,” is Chris in a smoky atmosphere. I can smell the stale beer and whiskey in the air, the candles flickering on the little round tables, the low flames in the fireplace, the patrons swaying with eyes closed and cigarettes alight between their thin fingers. I could hear Billie Holiday or Frank Sinatra sing this. Today, I hear a Cassandra Wilson or Holly Cole voice in this song. It’s almost like an early Tom Waits ballad from the 70’s and it’s a beauty. Nice trumpet conclusion. Classy.

What makes an artist like Chris Barron important is understanding his musical history. He starts with The Spin Doctors and winds up in this space. Where the songwriting sprouts more from the ground of the classic songwriters than say pop music. These are songs, for the most part, that could be enduring pieces.

“Too Young to Fade,” is such an example. This, the last of the collection, is a slow rocker, nothing padded, it’s just informal and tight. “I’ve got a little wound, only hurts me when it rains…” Simple, yet, powerful. It’s what sets apart a professional from songwriter dabbler and wannabe.

This is a 41-minute album that isn’t going to challenge your senses but it will be time well spent. It won’t rock your inner soul like Guns n’ Roses, but that’s because it’s not meant to. It’s an album that affirms the dedication to good music that a solo artist has invested in a stripped down acoustic performance and it has enthusiasm. Barron has explored areas of subjects in his songs that are not your standard fare. This is where it becomes interesting. Barron is not regurgitating the same old rock standard. The world is an unfair place and he offers consolation with a twist of humor. He has touched upon various genres and has done so adeptly.

Has Barron left The Spin Doctors behind? Not in the least.

As suggested earlier — this is just a bird spreading its wings. Challenging itself. Some of the best musicians in the world have done this. Sometimes just out of playing with other musicians to see where it could go. Sometimes it’s just a vacation from musicians you’ve grown used to or they are songs that don’t fit the band’s image.

He’s painting his walls a different color – but it’s the same walls. Chris is a visionary songwriter and most importantly — he is older now. Sees things a little differently than 1988. I am happy for him because as I mentioned earlier, I was not a big fan of The Spin Doctors – not my generation. But this Chris Barron solo album? He has caught up with my ears. I am impressed with this fine work and will listen to it for sure. (I may even return to The Spin Doctors now and see what I missed).

The extraordinary vintage CD art of Chris himself was created as an engraving. Much the same as the way Presidents’ faces look on paper money. This was designed by Ken Ridgeway and the art direction: David Graveen. The album was produced by Roman Kuln and Chris Barrow. The musicians are too numerous to mention but they are all proficient and provided excellent support throughout each song.

If the featured music links do not work, cut and paste the links. 

Website: http://thechrisbarron.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chris-Barron-41500644342/

Bandcamp: https://chrisbarron.bandcamp.com/

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review/commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of No Depression. All photography is owned by the respective photographers and is their copyrighted image; credited where photographer’s name was known & being used here solely as a reference and will be removed on request. YouTube images are standard YouTube license.

John Apice / No Depression / November 2017