Matthew E. White
Fresh Blood
Reviewed by: Brian Roser
I’m not sure that Fresh Blood is the best name for this album. Yes, it’s true that Matthew White hasn’t been on music scene long, but the sound of the album is firmly set in the late 70s. His lyrics and style seem to be trying to channel Barry White, although, to be fair, this is not a bad thing. It’s smooth and laid back R&B with a front man who knows his stuff.
I may be old-fashioned, but it is nice to have songs that set love on a pedestal and view making love as more than a number on a scorecard. ‘Nobody in this world is better than us’ is way different than ‘nobody is better than me.’ Also, while we’re discussing lyrics I think that Galileo would have found the line ‘Put your arms around me Jesus, like the circle around the sun’ to be incredibly ironic. Then there’s the song “Rock and Roll is Cold”. I happen to disagree vehemently with the sentiment, but I also have to admit that it is an awesome track.
I am glad to see a fellow Virginian’s album come my way. My state has a great many assets, but we can’t exactly compare well to the New York music scene. I also admire him for creating his own label, Spacebomb Records. This is to say nothing of his talents as a musician, which are considerable.
I must admit that this is not my genre. I am one of those shallow people he was talking about who listen to rock instead of rhythm and blues. I do have to say, however, that he is good at what he does. If, unlike me, you like your music without screaming, then sit back, turn on this album and revel in the mellow.
Rating: Listenable
