Who You Calling Candyass? - a review of Keith Morris’ Songs From Candyapolis

Posted by Cripsy Duck on December 12th, 2007 4 Comments

No, children, the folk rock revolution did not die. It keeps on revolving, covering ground. Very little of it new ground, but alas, that’s not what “folks” tune in for.

Songs From Candyapolis, Keith Morris’ first cd, returns us to the hearth-warm light-hearted marijuana folk rock of the 1970s while still maintaining a semi-contemporary coolness. Expect a healthy dose of whimsy, a smattering of sweet sadness, and a bunch of acoustic guitars, string sections, harmony choirs and hand claps. Maybe even a tambourine or five for spice. (Can you say “NPR-friendly?” Keith can.)

All this could easily add up to a yawning pile of smoldering government cheese, but Candyapolis manages to steer clear of the potholes of predictability with a nice mix of goofy songs, sneaky anthems and dreamy lullabies.

At times over-produced in a good way by local hero Jeff Romano, the record shows the songwriter in an honest light, refracting specters of Jim Croce, Little Feat, Tom Waits, Radiohead, Brian Wilson, Mo Tucker and the softer side of Smashing Pumpkins.

Like some rambling, twisted Garrison Keillor children’s story where whimsical monsters battle Satchel Paige for sugary carnival treats, there’s enough lyrical inventiveness and good humor here to warrant multiple listens, and fans of the genre might find this a new favorite. Loud guitar and electronics aficionados need not apply.

A cd release party for Songs from Canyapolis will go off December 12th at the Gravity Lounge at 8pm, and will feature a huge cast of local characters, including Devon Sproule, Paul Curreri, and Ann Marie Calhoun (most recently of Jethro Tull - yes that Jethro Tull).

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4 Responses to “Who You Calling Candyass? - a review of Keith Morris’ Songs From Candyapolis”

  1. 12 Dec 2007 at 9:11 am1Wistar said:

    Thank you, Cripsy Duck, for the phrase “yawning pile of smoldering government cheese.”

  2. 12 Dec 2007 at 3:57 pm2little acorn said:

    Nice review Cripsy.

  3. 17 Dec 2007 at 7:49 pm3Chickenwire Stu said:

    DISPATCH: 12/17/07
    LOCATION: “MAYBERRY ‘54/’07”

    Duc k,

    Th e sk ill s stil th re. –stop-

    Was wo rie d tha th l ack f de adl ine would d ull th e
    Bla de. -stop-

    Th e adu di anc par tici p ati on wa u nexp ected ben it -stop-

    Mil er’ , onl y yo u ca do it fro m he com for t f h ome -stop-

    Ok, I’ll stop now.

  4. 17 Dec 2007 at 8:00 pm4parlie said:

    i have to say i enjoyed figuring out what that said. thanks stu. another puzzle, please.

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