Music Review: Seth Swirsky - Watercolor Day

There are two words to describe Seth Swirsky — Renaissance Man. In addition to being a collector of sports memorabilia and an author of three published books, Seth Swirsky is a talented musician/songwriter. His new album, Watercolor Day, is a combination of pop and folk music.

When I first heard the album, I thought there were a few songs that were too bubble gum pop, but the more I listened to the music, the more I enjoyed it. The songs are soothing and mellow, like what I imagine a “watercolor day” to look like.

Seth Swirsky, except for “Amen,” which was written by Seth Swirsky and November Nights Music, Inc, wrote the 18 songs. Listening to the music, you can tell that The Beatles, The Beach Boys and other great 1960s/'70s performers influenced Mr. Swirsky.

Seth Swirsky knows how to write songs. Before writing them for himself, he wrote songs for Taylor Dayne, Michael McDonald and Rufus Wainwright.

In Watercolor Day, he sings, plays guitar, bass, piano, and backing vocals. Some of the songs, he adds other musicians but the majority of the music is played by him.

My favorite song on the album is “Watercolor Day”, named after the album. The song opens with strumming on the guitar and Seth Swirsky singing. When the rest of the instruments join in, rainbow colors, sound and beautiful images fill your mind. 

The song, “I’m Just Saying,” reminds me of a song that could appear on The Beatles album, Abbey Road. The harmony, instrumentals and words make you sway your head and smile. It creates a good, positive feeling.

“I Never Knew You (Harry)” is a song about Harry Nilsson, and sounds just like one of his songs. I remember when I was a teenager, my friends and I used to watch the movie The Point over and over and over again! We would constantly sing the songs from the movie like, “Me and My Arrow.” So when I heard this song, it made me reflect back on my childhood. Seth Swirsky not only sings it the way Nilsson sang his songs, but he hits the arrow on the target with this one! He sings, “I never knew you Harry, but I loved you so.”

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for hilary-topper

Article Author: Hilary Topper

Hilary JM Topper, MPA, is the President & CEO of HJMT Public Relations, Inc., a boutique Public Relations and Digital Media Agency located in Melville, Long Island, Manhattan and in Rochester, NY.

Visit Hilary Topper's author pageHilary Topper's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • No image found

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for May 22, 2013

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for April

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs