Mark Brine sings and plays the guitar as a true American folk legend
would. His new album For Karrie is genuine and forthright in musical
and lyrical content. Brine derives inspiration from all the great
poets and writers that have come before him. His words and music create
a colorful landscape of Americana delving into traditional, roots,
country, rock, and blues. The strongly persuasive influences of country
come through loud and clear from the traditional country-blues of yesteryear.
At the start of the album it sounded as if I was in for a country
session, I was obviously too quick to judge the eventuality of each
track. I strongly suggest that you really give this album a chance
and a few listens so it all sinks in, and it will.
8th Grade Romance (And They Danced) is one of my favorite tracks.
The guitar has a hypnotic rhythm and Brines voice pulls you right
into the story, as he does with every song. His voice is certainly
different, not quite totally country and not quite totally anything
for that matter, it is a little bit of everything. It gives him the
ability to sing on either side of any invisible genre lines without
crossing over yet having enough talent and flexibility to dabble with
the blues too, which again, go back to the roots-country where he
gathers such deep inspiration. Mae West Momma is a real hoot, and
fun loving song just soaking in the warmth of Brines voice and guitar
strings. This album is full of wonderful moments like that. It just
boils over with originality and the very substance of what we are.
I could easily ramble on ad infinitum about his album, but I will
spare you from that and merely advise that you pick up this great
recording. There are too many reasons not too and I just gave you
a handful as to why you should. So what are you waiting for? Ramble
on down to the local record store or plug in and go visit CD Baby
(www.cdbaby.com), CD Street (www.cdstreet.com) and Miles of Music
(www.milesofmusic.com). If you enjoy any of the styles of music that
I mentioned, you have my personal guarantee you will absolutely love
this CD. Like Nike saysjust do it!
1. Up On Elks Ridge-3:28
2. For Karrie-3:26
3. Baby, You Move Me-3:35
4. Once A Soldier (Always A Hero)-3:14
5. You Aint Feelin With A Full Deck-3:37
6. 8th Grade Romance (And They Danced)-3:15
7. Always Open Arms-3:09
8. Riverboat-3:18
9. Mae West Momma-2:39
10. Stephen-3:51
11. Even Blind Faith Has To See-2:51
12. Blue Roses-3:23
13. Back Roads-3:29
14. Fly Away-5:24
