strangelanguage is Charlie Peacock's first release under his own label re:think. So what kind of results should you expect from an artist when he has no one to answer to but himself? Where does all this freedom allow a musician to go?
This was only my second exposure to Charlie Peacock's music. Due to all the praise I saw on the Internet, I purchased Everything That's On My Mind about a year ago. I found the music very easy to listen to, and the lyrics kept me coming back long after the tunes had become familiar. So, it was with much anticipation that I purchased strangelanguage when it was available at my local bookstore.
I would have to say there is a greater range of music on the new album. While I would label most of it "slightly illusive pop," it ranges from the mellow ballad of "Rocket" to the jazzy "Strangerlanguage," from the dance of "Lady Soul (Aretha In The AM)" to the crunchy guitars and distorted vocals of "Struck Blind." The common thread musically through the album is some "techie" synth background noise.
As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed Charlie Peacock's lyrics on Everything That's On My Mind. He has the ability to walk a fine line lyrically, not so simple that a two-year-old could tell you what every song is about, and not so obscure you are never sure what he is trying to get across. Peacock, along with writing partner Douglas McKelvey has again come up with some great lyrics. Take for example a few lines from "That's The Point:"
Sin is a cancer, not just a thing you do from time to time Like slipping or tripping or losing your keys
or from "Insult Like The Truth:"
I've run my ship aground On the rocks of the soul There's no lie like independence There's no demon like control
The common thread I see in the lyrics is his desire to confront the complex issues of the Christian life. Why do we act the way we do, when sometimes we should know better? Is this an album to play for your non-Christian friends? Well, there are a couple of tracks like "That's The Point" and "Sneakin' Up On Me" that speak simply about life being better with God than without. But generally this album speaks to living the Christian life. "Rocket" deals with our dirt-loving attitudes towards Christians who fail. "Lady Soul" is a call to Christians not to forget to enjoy life. "Struck Blind" and "Insult Like The Truth" remind us not to water down the Gospel to make someone else feel more "comfortable."
If you are already a fan of Charlie Peacock, this album will not disappoint. If you like great pop melodies with perhaps a little less accessible musical wallpaper behind the melody, check it out. If you are looking for someone who can put words to what have only been "strange" feelings for you, just buy it.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse February 1997Reviewed by Vanessa CrooksWith strangelanguage, Charlie Peacock takes an "everything but the kitchen sink" approach to album making. Known for his willingness (penchant) to experiment, Peacock has taken everything he's ever tried, put it into a blender, and then fused together the resulting bits and pieces for this effort. Those who are strictly familiar with his Sparrow work (Secret Of Time, Love Life, and Everything…7ball #7Reviewed by Dan MacIntoshCharlie Peacock's new release strangelanguage, an album that has more spunk and fire than Peacock has shown since the old days, when he was "alternative"--especially with the surprising, Peter Gabriel-meets-industrial experiment on "Struck Blind"--proves that his relevancy never had any reason to be questioned. Though he may be known for his work as producer with such artists as Margaret Becker…More from Charlie Peacock
2004Full Circle: A Celebration of Songs and Friends
1990The Secret of Time
In the Light: The Very Best of Charlie Peacock
1994Everything That's on My Mind
1999Kingdom Come
