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Popster. The word has endless connotations - person with special talent for
composing memorable melody, person who digs memorable melody, guy with
happening haircut, toaster pastry...etc.
I need to break one of the first rules of journalism at this time and admit
to you that I know this cat. Aw hell, I played on the album too. So maybe I
should pretend I think he's a real jerkoff to give more credibility to the
fact that I'm calling him a brilliant songwriter/producer.
Be Seeing You, Cliff Hillis's first alone effort, is a popster record made
by one. From the first smack of drum to the final cacophonic breakdown, the
production is bright and urgent and won't let you sleep, so don't bother
setting this one to your off timer. Hillis has been lurking about the east
coast for a while - original guitarist/singer/writer with Starbelly; had a
great song, "Better Than Myself," appear in a Brooke Shields movie; also
current shotgun git with the John Faye Power Trip. But this solo stuff is
where he shines brightest, in my opinion.
"Coming Out Alive," the first track hits hard and sets up an "accept no boring
sounds" standard for the rest of the CD. "Second Dimension" follows with the
same fervor. "Grounded" is more sensitive, as are "Before & After," "Wake" (the
most beautiful song in all the land) and "When You Feel." Surprisingly clever
lyrics are not needed or missed as melody reigns, and Hillis is a master at
getting his ideas across simply, as if saying, "get it? right then, let's
get back to the rock stuff..." "All of Your Sunshine" is point proven - you'd
have to be in a body cast not to gyrate something.
Okay, references. Rundgren. Matthew Sweet. Jellyfish. The Producers.
Fishbone. Bosstones. They're all here, with no blatant rips or tips of the
chapeau to the Fab Four for once this year, thank you. Makes you wonder what
station was playing in Cliff's childhood household.
Hmmm? Oh, right. I suppose I could just ask him.
review by Kyf Brewer
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Figgle 2001-2007