biographical info
Christopher Eckart has put out a solo record full of
smart-assed odes to snack foods, fish and idleness. Compositionally,
Eckart’s songs are awkward and unnerving, which is what makes so many
of them so extraordinarily interesting. Overlong lyrics are forced into
small spaces and melodies are bent and twisted to suit his will. The
recording gives an impression of spontaneity, as though each track is
an impromptu performance of a song written five minutes ago. Absurd
lyrics emerge in either a dirty growl or a sardonic warble so caustic
in tone it would probably do a pretty good job of cleaning your oven.
At other times, Eckart takes on a distinctly old-style country persona,
crooning ballads about hobos and trains. All of this madness is backed
variously by plunking guitar, old-time-y keyboards, harmonica and
accordion. An altogether curious and enjoyable disc.
Review by Rachel Sanders
Exclaim! June 2006
lineup
Christopher Eckart Underwriter
influences
Beck
Tom Waits
Woody Guthrie
Buck 65