To mix it up, Sherman adds in a sarcastic sense of humor. To Be Cool is a sort of comic farce about moving to New York City and getting lost:
I came to New York to be cool
An Indian Drifter on a mule
With swagger and grit & a bag full of tricks
And a casual stutter
Call me brother
I came to New York to be bad
But I can't get away from being had . . .
Are You Serious mocks the "new boyfriend" as a "Brooklyn vegan" who writes music and cuts his own discs "on his used G3." The chorus runs "Are you serious? Baby I can take him."
As you can see, the lyrics are a mix of melancholy, humor, and desire but what about the music? The music is simple yet layered. It is driven by Sherman's vocals and keyboard. His voice is soft enough to match the tenor of the lyrics yet strong enough to add an edge when needed. From the jazzy pop of Silver or Gold and Cold Summer Rain to the soulful Faces and the sarcastic alt country of To Be Cool and Married Man to the simple piano folk of Are You Serious, Sherman is able to match his voice to the mood and style of each particular track. In addition to his voice, Sherman's keyboard work helps tie these eclectic sounds all together. Whether it is his 1962 Wurlitzer electric piano or the 1950's Hammond Organ, Sherman's keyboard work gives each song its unique sounds and yet provides the continuity for the album. Not every song sounds alike but the album holds together as a whole.
As I hope I have made clear, Silver or Gold is a unique and varied album. With adult lyrics and hard to categorize sounds it provides a welcome relief from today’s adolescent and marketing driven pop music. So if you are looking for something a little different, something a little more laid back and less in your face, pick up a copy of Goodbye Girl Friday's Silver and Gold. Save the pelvic thrusts and cookie cutter music for the kids.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very nice job, Kev, see - you're a music man too!