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New Amos Lee release in high ‘Demand’
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Also by Laura Stanelle:
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- Feist exhibits best of female vocalists (January 19, 2006)
- Team Sleep CD proves average (April 28, 2005)
- Mixed messages leave us divided (February 2, 2006)
- Indulging in diversity (May 3, 2005)
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by Laura Stanelle
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
His rich vocals possess the comforting coziness of your favorite sweater. His songs exude the sweet smoothness of a warm chocolate chip cookie. He's the music scene's pumpkin spice latte, and one of the best musicians you've probably never heard of. He's Amos Lee, and with his sophomore album Supply and Demand, the singer-songwriter is proving that he is, without a doubt, a talented force to be reckoned with.
Lee's second album follows a self-titled 2005 release and boasts many of the same admirable qualities. Mellow and soulful, Supply and Demand tugs at the heartstrings of listeners, lulling them into a state of quiet contentment.
It's the Philly teacher-turned-musician's sincere effect and non-threatening demeanor that make his melodies, and the insightful lyrics that accompany them, so easily consumed. On the album's opener, "Shout Out Loud," Lee presents his observations of life and the people living it with a steady drive that bursts into an upbeat and unassumingly powerful chorus. This unassuming power continues throughout the album, as Lee takes listeners through 11 tracks of sometimes bluesy, always heartfelt music.
The song "Freedom" perfectly exemplifies Lee's ability to make rather pointed statements without being too overt. He sings, "I don't want to be a martyr in this war/ Don't want to hear the same excuses anymore … Freedom is seldom found/ by beatin' someone to the ground/ tellin' them how everything is gonna be now." The honest and insightful lyrics on this track are delivered in such a non-threatening way that listeners can do little more than agree with the singer and allow his impressive vocals to carry them through to the album's conclusion.
Supply and Demand's highlight is "Careless," a heart-wrenching song of a friendship lost after two friends fall in love with the same woman. Lee's raw voice is supported by a quiet piano and the song's slow drive lets listeners linger over each emotion-filled word. With the simple chorus of "How could you be so careless?" the song is raw, emotional and undeniably moving.
That's the beauty of Amos Lee — whether or not listeners can identify with the subject matter he sings about, they can always identify with the emotions he evokes or the mood his music creates. Take "Night Train," for example. The song is sung from the perspective of a train worker who leads a lonely life traveling from station to station, working through the night and contemplating the mysteries of life. With his quiet and steady voice, supplemented by a soothingly repetitious melody, Lee and his band manage to convey the constant rhythm of a train and the enveloping darkness of night. It's his ability to paint pictures with music that makes the singer so impressive and his songs so addictive.
The beauty of Amos Lee's music isn't only in each individual song, but also in the overarching layout of the album as a whole. Providing steady ebb and flow of emotion, tempo and sound, the songs on Supply and Demand work together to create a dynamic listening experience. Right when Lee's voice makes your heart hurt almost unbearably with the loneliness conveyed on "Skipping Stones," the following tracks, "Supply and Demand" and "Sweet Pea," are just upbeat and lighthearted enough to allow listeners to forget the heartache of earlier tracks. On his album, Lee plays without emotions, but takes care of them, never letting us get too depressed but always keeping us introspective.
While Supply and Demand is very similar in feel to Lee's debut effort, the sophomore release boasts more supplementation from members of the singer's band. Their supporting vocals appear at just the right times, never overpowering but serving to amplify each song's mood. This is best witnessed on "Careless," although nearly each song on the album illustrates the fruitful teamwork between singer and backup band.
What makes Lee and his band so appealing is their unpretentiousness. Listeners get the impression that these musicians are doing what they do simply for the love of music, and this purity is evident in every sound produced. Undeniable is Lee's unassuming coolness, a demeanor evident in the musician's voice, sounds and lyrics. Sure, he's toured with Bob Dylan and his songs have appeared in movies like "The Last Kiss" and TV's "Six Feet Under," but Lee is cool in a way only achieved by those who don't give a damn about actually being cool. At the root of it all, Lee is approachable and accessible, a musician in the purest form.
Amos Lee's latest is warm, complex and addictive. Its intelligent lyrics and musical layers allow for innumerable listens, with each spin producing a new appreciation for the singer and his talent. If you buy one CD this fall, let it be Supply and Demand — it's that good. He's that good.
Grade: 5 out of 5
Anonymous (October 11, 2006 @ 12:10am):
Great Review!
Amos rocks...
Anonymous (October 11, 2006 @ 3:33am):
Wow. Thats quite an endorsment.
I agree, Supply and demand is an instant classic. I know I will be listening to this CD for many years to come.
I first saw Amos open up for Norah Jones, and to be frank, he made her sound like an amature.
