It brings me great pleasure to once again introduce an artist to the pages of Blogcritics (see earlier posts re: James McMurtry). This time, it's Peter Mulvey, an exceptionally gifted songwriter and folk guitarist.
I came upon Mulvey's music through a National Public Radio interview on "Weekend Edition." At the time, Mulvey was promoting his cover project, "Ten Thousand Mornings," recorded in the Boston subway. From there, monthly trips to his web site loaded me up with a good number of free mp3 downloads. Currently, you can download the single "Shirt" from "Kitchen Radio."
Mulvey's music was immediately captivating. His sound is pure guitar, including alternate tunings (a la Ani DiFranco). This follow-up "Kitchen Radio" puts Mulvey back in the songwriting seat, and he returns with a strong effort.
"Road to Mallow" begins the album, introducing Mulvey's baritone voice and finger-picking guitar.
"Six rabbits, two dogs, one cat, one cow, and then we saw something coulda been a fox, come to think of it now, on the road to Mallow."
Mulvey's pastiche of imagery puts you in a serene landscape, with metaphysical imagery swirling like a zen cappuccino.
"Shirt," the second tune, features a more up-tempo style, and reminded me of Leo Kottke. The lyrics contradict the music, with a sense of melancholy at life that doesn't change, symbolized by a corduroy shirt.
Mulvey doesn't shy away from the political, evinced by "29 cent head." The song is paced like a Bob Dylan activist tune.
"Them shapes in the bed are the senator and the ceo. Which one's on top, I wouldn't like to know. The father's got his hand on the alter boy's knee. The whole choir's preaching to you, they just want you to agree."
But Mulvey doesn't provide answers, only observations. And that is the true genius of this songwriter. His observations.
Article comments
1 - marie
I was blown away by Mulvey's songs and guitar ability -- rhythms are like a chugging railroad train (going slow sometimes, and fast and furious at other times, i.e. "you just don't get it!"). He is a joy to listen to, over and over.