Independent Clause's review of "all the things i forget" February '07
By Brian Burns
I love folk music, but when I think of folk I think of the lyrical if not melodious emotional honesty of Bob Dylan, the brilliant folk/rock of Simon and Garfunkel, the sharp social commentary of Woody Guthrie and the airy melodies of Joan Baez. Because I love folk, it can be difficult for me to review folk music. I've heard great folk and it's easy for me to demand more of folk artists than I should.
With that said, Aaron Thomas' all the things i forget EP is a solid release filled with witty wordplay, skillful guitar playing and the raw emotion that makes folk music timeless.
Track three is a sad, mellow song about love. I can see that smirk on your face, reader: a sad folk song about love-what a concept. Though love is a common theme in folk songs, Thomas's clever lyrics make this plaintive plea "to walk with me towards the sunrise" worth the listen. Also worth note is the twist at the end-you'll know it when you hear it.
Track four is one of those rare songs that manages to be sad without sounding whiny or particularly sad. Thomas' complex, interesting guitar-playing and songwriting skills are both put to good use. Phrases like "time can only heal when the hands of the healer are involved" make this song hard to forget.
In short, if you're looking for a good, accessible introduction to folk music all the things i forget is for you. If you're a folk fan like I am all the things i forget is for you. If you have ears, all the things i forget is for you.
-Brian Burns
[email protected]
www.independentclauses.com
