Charlie Peacock

Item: Everything That's on My Mind
Author: Roger Appelinski

Everything That's on My Mind

(1994)

Reviewed by Roger Appelinski

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Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseMarch 1995

alternative rock pop rock roots rock

"The songs are rawer, gutsier, and more deeply rooted in the history of rock than anything I've done for several years. They say things I've been waiting a long time to say." That is the introduction Charlie Peacock offers to Everything That's On My Mind--his latest release after several years away from solo recording.

I think that Peacock has succeeded in achieving the rougher, rootsy rock sound he desired, with the help of prominent, punchy guitars courtesy of Jerry McPherson. I think the strength of the project is really in the songwriting style, however--most of the songs break from typical rock/pop rock structure. Part of the difference is in lines that are broken in an unnatural spot, an unexpected word sustained--little things that keep the album fresh and unlike most music that is out there. Lyrically, most are told as stories, either from his past, or created to illustrate a point, similar to much of Rich Mullins' writing. The message doesn't come out and grab you--it's something you have to glean for yourself. I think this helps broaden the appeal as you can frequently gain newer insights from them.

Peacock comments on modern society, while keeping most of the analysis close-to-home--on his own life. The simple, yet playful, "One Man Gets Around" pokes fun at how people focus on silly little things like Elvis sightings when it is so amazing that God is moving all over the world.

"Inside Out, Upside Down" leads the self-examination stating, "All achievements, accolades/And the promenades of men, drenched in sin/Don't amount to a lot/And all our boasting conveniently void of the cross...I say, Hey! Are we turned around?/Hey! Are we living life inside out, upside down?" It is a song you might imagine from Steve Taylor--who happens to add some background vocals on the track.

The title track is an artistic description of the journey leading to the acceptance of grace and a realization that "my weakness is my testimony." Not too far off is "Aim a Little Higher," which he wrote in honor of his parents. As he grows now, he understands the motivation of loved ones to challenge us, even through rebellious times--feeling the world revolves around us.

To me, the song "Monkeys at the Zoo" is the lyrical highlight of the project. In an ever changing musical setting, Peacock examines his life and answers the question, "Should I be content with my beautiful Christian life?" by stating, "But that won't be enough for me/Not this year not anytime soon/I have got to clean house/Gotta make my bed/Gotta clear my head/It's getting kind of stuffy in here, smells sorta funky too/Like monkeys at the zoo."

Personally, the project has barely left my stereo in the last two months, yet it has remained as new and exciting as the first listen. I think Everything That's on My Mind will have a broad appeal to fans of rock and pop music with its quick jumps from energetic to ponderous--sometimes even in the same song--as something just a little different.