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The best word I can use to describe Owatonna native Mark Cameron's album "Life of Illusion" is this:
Solid.
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First of all, let me address the vocals. As the lead vocalist, Cameron's voice is clear and spot on. Though he may reach towards the top, he never goes over it, which I appreciate. The back-up vocals that support his voice mingle nicely, creating a nice choral effect without over harmonizing.
Musically, the instruments are all played well, with mastery on the harmonica and organ/piano. The guitars are perfect, and the drumming never falters. This album is also not "over produced," meaning it stands on its own feet without the life being mixed and compressed out of it. There is a nice feeling of live recording, particularly on the song "Boxcar Blues."
The style of music is not one that I particularly care for, however, I am sure that it has commercial appeal to people who enjoy a nice bluesy-mixed-with-80's-kitch sort of sound. It reminds me a bit of "Texas Flood" mixed with "Money for Nothing." Does that make any sense?
Anyhow, my biggest issue is the songwriting itself. There is nothing particularly interesting about the arrangements, and perhaps that can be forgiven because of the blues 12 bar aspect, but even the guitar solos feel a little too familiar. I can only listen to three chords over and over again without getting bored for so long. While listening to the album I kept expecting a song to hook me in, but it never really happened. None of the songs made me want to move around, and none of them made me want to learn the lyrics and sing along.
The lyrics are also problematic. I know that music and poetry are not exactly the same, but there is too much "telling" and not enough "showing." The words take themselves a bit too seriously, and they feel forced, like they're trying too hard to be relevant. For example, from the song "Sometimes":
Love is a light that shines in a place you'll never be/ love is a picture in colors you know you cannot see/ love is a wandering soul that knows it will never find a home/ love is a crowd of people, every one of them is all alone.
Apart from the fact that none of these sentiments are very original, I am incredibly tired of being told what "Love" is.
But despite my qualms, I could never call "Life of Illusion" a bad album. It is a bit too down beat for my taste, but I can see how the relaxed or brooding individual would appreciate adding this to their collection. I get the impression that Mark Cameron is best served on the live stage, and you can see him at Katie O'Leary's on Saturday, February 27th, according to my information.
If you see the live show and like what you hear, then definitely pick up "Life of Illusion" to relive the experience.
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