REGAN LANE AND BROKENNESS: ICU In Dandylions

Regan Lane and BrokenNess

ICU In Dandylions

© 2002 Regan Barger (783707613727)

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Mix The Beatles 'Sgt. Pepper', Bob Dylan's 'Blood On The Tracks', a recovering heroin addict, the faith and love of a child and the power of music and you get the new, darkly inspirational CD 'ICU In Dandylions'.

tracks

1 Mr.Indecision
2 I Feel Bad
3 Junkie
4 Selfish Sadness
5 Grain Of Sand
6 Never Be The Same
7 Look At Me
8 Embrace
9 The Ocean Makes Her Cry{Tara}
10 The Crutch Of Every Fool
11 In A Song
12 ICU In Dandylions
13 U Won't Believe

notes

"... 'ICU In Dandylions' explodes into a rainbow of emotions....
one of those scarce indie pop albums that fashions on groups like The Beatles and Kinks rather than just pay tribute to them." Ron Swarner/The Weekly Volcano

Mix The Beatles 'Sgt. Pepper', Bob Dylan's 'Blood On The Tracks', a recovering heroin addict, the faith and love of a child and the power of music and you get the new CD 'ICU In Dandylions' by Northwest singer-songwriter-musician-producer Regan Lane and his band BrokenNess.

The seed for the idea of the band name BrokenNess was first planted in Regan Barger's head in a drug and alcohol treatment center as an in joke to describe the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the general population. Gallows humor. When Regan returned from his 28 day sabbatical with a new outlook on life he enlisted the help of his songwriting partner, best friend and bass player extraordinaire Ray Hartman and drummer/percussionist Dane Estepa to create ICU In Dandylions, a collection of songs from the previous years experiences. The songs that had been written are snapshots of those times {drugs, divorce, parenting his daughter and search for self and God along with some of the various characters that had crossed Regan's path} and new songs were added to reflect the uncertain yet bright future. Regan explains
:
In the early fall of 2000 my then four year old daughter Moyra and I were driving past a 7/11 on the way to Grandma Nikki's house when she blurted out " I see you in dandelions daddy". I proceeded to tell her that was silly, but she insisted. "No daddy, it's true. I see you in dandelions, and Kali saw you too!"{Kali is my niece and my daughters buddy}
That statement from my daughter {and the conviction behind it} swirled around in my head for a couple of days. And then on a Saturday evening I sat down with my acoustic guitar, and the song just came out.
The simple words from my daughter were a turning point in my recovery. I see it as divine intervention. The story of the dandelion, which after dying and being spread across the skies yet coming back stronger than ever, became my story.
A rebirth.
Nominated for CD Of The Year for 2003 on Kweevak.com ICU In Dandylions has been met with unanimous critical acclaim for the concept and songwriting,{As individual songs these cuts shine with intelligence and dedicated pop sensibilities. As a collection, this record is a work of art. IndieMusicReview.com} the vocals {Barger has an absolutely amazing voice, sonorous and melancholy...his music just dominates a room._Holly Day_MusicDish.com} and the musicianship {incredible bass lines, energized guitars, precise percussion._ Laura Turner Lynch_Kweevak.com}.

If you love classic British style pop in the vein of The Beatles, Crowded House or XTC you will LOVE the new BrokenNess CD. So don't be shy. Buy a copy for yourself and be inspired. Or buy a copy for someone who is going through some tough times and show him or her that people can escape the traps that we all fall into from time to time.
Since there inception, and more so now with the release of ICU In Dandylions, BrokenNess' music has become a mantra of hope, not only for it's members but for anyone that has struggled with who they are and where they are headed.

reviews

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  • You rock Uncle Regan!!!!!!
    author: Tobi

    Now, i really really really love the song Junkie. You are very inpireing to write my report on. You know what, I think I will.

  • I really love this cd!!
    author: tobi

    This cd is so awsome!!!!!! I love the song dandilions. It is very good. I also like your song I'm just a grain of sand. That is my favorite song in the world. Love you Uncle regan!

  • Reg at his best
    author: Janet Dinwoodie

    I've been a fan of Regan's since his Strypes days, and could tell from this cd all that he's gone through since. Amazing Reg, here's to you and all you love, and congratulations on keeping the music in your soul and sharing it with all of us.

  • The creativity is wonderful!
    author: Darrell Blaine G

    Carefully produced, the musicians are nothing less then skilled professional, and the creativity is wonderful. ICU In Dandylions by BrokenNess is a real life Pop/rock album, not heavy rock, but not soft rock either, a nice compromise in-between. ...If your alive and among the living there will be songs on this amazing album (Cd) that will drive directly into your heart... The stories of evolution, of coming of age, the stories of awakening....

  • Tremendous Achievement! Pure Pop with Wit ,Heart And Soul.
    author: Buhdge: Written by Alan Huber

    If you do a Google search for Beatlesque pop, the first hit you get is for Washington state musician Regan Lane. Upon hitting his homepage, you see that Lane bills himself as a "pure pop singer songwriter," and damn if that isn't the case. ICU in Dandylions is chock full of sunny, hooky melodies, but what sets it apart from other sunny, hooky pop albums is the often dark subject matter, and Lane's keen ability to come up positive in the end. The baker's dozen songs on ICU in Dandylions, buoyed by Lane's powerful, expressive vocals, present a talented artist, steeped in the traditions of sixties and seventies pop, who bounced back from drug addiction and a less-than-rosy personal life to greet the here and now and future with boundless optimism and enthusiasm. ICU in Dandylions is that rarest of albums: thoughtful and perceptive on one level, and joyous and overwhelmingly positive on another. Through it all, you will be treated to one of the most incredibly talented, heretofore overlooked and under appreciated artists working in music today. The Rubber Soul-esque opener, "Mr. Indecision," presents a man unsure of how to negotiate the world, wanting to do the right thing, but unable somehow to set off on his way. "I Feel Bad" keeps the mid-period Beatles groove going while telling the story of one man's personal undoing. "Junkie," featuring a deliciously catchy chorus with great harmony backgrounds, and the bluesy Rembrants-meets-the Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" "Selfish Sadness" find him taking stock of his situation. And "Grain of Sand," with its wonderful, harmony-filled mid section, points the way to a bright future when the man becomes a father and is transcended by the experience. The title song, a gorgeous ballad with an Elizabethan tinge, is a love letter to the love of Lane's life, his daughter Moyra, to whom the album is dedicated. It is a song of hope, and it is an instant classic, beautifully arranged, played and sung. The entire album is beautifully arranged, played and sung. Pop sense this keen and inspirational doesn't deserve to remain unnoticed outside of Lane's home turf. You can choose to get deep into the lyrics, for an emotional experience, or simply enjoy the masterfully-crafted music. Either way, ICU in Dandylions is a tremendous achievement, a pure pop album with wit and heart and soul. Don't let this one slip away.

  • A feeling of hope!!!
    author: Mitchell Rentzler

    This CD left me with a good feeling of hope for the future. A lot of good emotion on the album that comes through without being sappy or preachy.

  • Infectious Disc Full of Pop Songs with Heart
    author: Tara Olson / Tacoma News Tribune

    Regan Lane and BrokenNess’s CD “ICU in Dandylions” is an infectious disc full of pop songs which have what so much mainstream music lacks—heart. Turn on the radio and one will hear songs with a lot of the same traits as BrokenNess’: catchy harmonies, contagious vocal and instrumental hooks and a generally sunny disposition perfect for the summertime. What really distinguishes songwriter Regan Lane Barger’s music, however, are his lyrics. Whereas some pop songs allow rhyme to dictate their message, Regan allows nothing to hinder or compromise what he has to say. Regan has the admirable ability to convey his thoughts of a broken heart, a broken soul, or a person made whole by the birth of a daughter, with sincerity and a lack of trite emotion. Songs I found particularly enjoyable for both their lyrical and musical content were “Junkie” and “Never Be the Same.” Obviously a work of love, “ICU in Dandylions” strives to make the listener feel, or at least foster some sort of understanding. In this respect it again differentiates itself from most mainstream pop—it succeeds.

  • If you like the Beatles you will love this music!!
    author: Starpolish

    It’s actually funny to come across this CD, because just the other day I was having one of those “state of music today” conversations with another music critic. I mentioned to her how sick I am of bands that all sound the same and singers that just scream and scream. “Unless it sounds like the Beatles,” I told her, “I’m just not into it.” Funny. To search for a somewhat more contemporary influence, these songs are very similar to the Plimsouls and the subsequent solo work of Plimsouls’ vocalist/ songwriter, Peter Case. Beatles-influenced, ultra melodic soft pop. There are songs that sound like “Octopus Garden,” songs that sound like “I Am The Walrus” and songs that sound like “Strawberry Fields.” Bluntly put, if you like the Beatles, or any other artist that sounds like the Beatles, you will love this music.

  • Real men love their daughters and say so!
    author: The Muse's Muse

    Although the spelling choices led me to believe I might be about to hear hiphop I was very wrong. BrokenNess’s music is definitely pop with many influences. I hear some glam and some Iggy Pop, and some John Lennon/psychedlic Beatles. The instrumentation is guitar based, with bass, drums keys, and some loops and harmonica in the mix. It's heavy on groove in the songs with some rock guitars. There is also a dash of a retro flower power feel to the songwriting style and in the lyrics. The main writer and singer is Regan Barger and he has a pleasing and versatile singing style. The core group is a trio, Barger along with Dane Estepa on percussion, and Ray Hartman on bass, keys. They all put in vocals. They are all solid players and as a group they have a very nice musical chemistry. The production is also very professional. The CD is dedicated to Barger’s daughter, which I think is very cool. Real men love their daughters and say so.

  • Warm and Familiar Three Minute Adult Pop. Recommended!
    author: Phase 9 Entertainment {U. K. Publication}

    This US group is a fine blend of THE BEATLES and CROWDED HOUSE, mixed with an uncanny John Lennon soundalike vocals without trying to sound like Lennon. The songs are well-crafted pop tunes with a slight nod to the Sixties, so you have a basic idea what to expect. JUNKIE is more TRAVELLING WILBURYS than say SELFISH SADNESS, which sounds like pure Lennon from the vocals to the air of the song and the lyrics. The one constant in Barger’s life is his daughter, so it is only fitting that a number of songs, such as GRAIN OF SAND and LOOK AT ME should be written about her effect on his life. The title track itself came from an off the cuff comment his four year-old daughter made that “I see you in dandelions, daddy”. In a strange way, this track is Barger’s “Lucy In The Sky With Diamond”. The rowdiest track on the album is the rocking THE CRUTCH OF EVERY FOOL, where Barger confronts his demons that had made him the man he used to be. It is hard to ignore an artist who puts his heart and soul into a piece of music and this is exactly what Barger has done. Coming out of the darkness, Barger has managed to compose an album full of three minute adult pop tunes that not only has a familiar feel to it but also a warm one at that. Recommended.

  • This pure pop perfection will require many return visits to your stereo!
    author: Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

    On ICU In Dandylions (interesting title} BrokenNess pump out 13 fleshed out power pop tracks that would satisfy the most discriminating music fan. The funny thing about lead singer Regan Barger is the more you hear his voice, the more he sounds like John Lennon. When Barger belts out “I Feel Bad,” you know he means what he says when you hear-”I feel bad and I don’t know why.” Even though it is a splatter of melancholy the rhyme and rhythm of the song is as irresistible as pumpkin pie after a Thanksgiving diner, deliciously sweet but the underlying message is life can be painful if consumed without restraint. I also appreciated “Grain of Sand,” which seems to refer to the insignificance of who we are in this vast and endless universe, it is another rock-pop gem with harmonies and lead vocals to die for. “The Ocean Makes Her Cry (Tara) is their most prolific composition, showing off their talent for reflective and pensive lyrical content with musical accompaniment that pushes and pulls you back and forth. Dane Estepa (drums, vocals, percussion) and Ray Hartman (bass, vocals, keys) are as influential and important to the sound of Broken Ness as Barger. They all play so many instruments and sing so well, it sounds more like a five piece than a trio. The production values and sound are definitely above average and noticeably detailed in every song. This pure pop-rock perfection will require many return visits to your stereo.

  • Heartwarming and Personal, Fun and Endearing Pop
    author: Plug In Music

    Heartwarming and personal, “ICU In Dandylions” by Brokenness is an album that has more feeling than a majority of albums out there. The songs, all of which were written by vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist/percussionist Regan Barger, cover Barger’s experiences with divorce, being a father and drug addition, among other things. “ICU In Dandylions” flows easily with his Julian Lennon-ish sounding songs as you learn about Barger and come to realize that in the end, he is just a guy who loves his daughter. Starting with the slow “Mr. Indecision,” Barger sets the tone for the album: “He’d love to please everybody/And no broken hearts.” Picking up the tempo and adding a likable poppy feel, “I Feel Bad,” gives you the back story on Barger without getting too serious or tedious while “Junkie” is mid tempo with vocals that blend nicely together and an understated organ solo. With an intro reminiscent to The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” “Selfish Sadness” is slower with a sultry side. About the birth of his daughter, “Grain of Sand” returns to guitar pop and occasional falsetto shrills a la John or Julian while “Never Be The Same” is a poppy and memorable shuffle. On the quieter and whimsical “Look At Me” Barger wants “you to know your daddy still cares” and, on “Embrace,” that “love will set you free.” Showing a more aggressive side, Barger ponders religion on the memorable “The Crutch of Every Fool”: “I was Jesus, the Beatle John/I lost myself, I lost it all/Everything I thought I was, underneath the weight of my lies.” “Who I was is gone – now it’s in a song,” Barger declares on the quick paced and poppy “In A Song.” The album’s stand out track, unquestionably, is the lovely guitar led ballad “ICU In Dandylions” about Barger’s daughter. With a final Beatles inspired intro, “U Won’t Believe” leaves the album on an upbeat and poppy introspective moment. Although much of “ICU In Dandylions” is personal, Brokenness are able to transfer something to the listener, making you feel like you have left your listening experience with a few words of wisdom or, at the very least, a catchy melody to whistle. With just enough edge to their poppy guitar rock, the album is full of serious songs that are not serious at all in the way they were written and performed. Brokenness has imparted “ICU In Dandylions” with fun and endearing qualities.

  • Fine meaningful pop CD
    author: Craig's Music Club

    The title is twee but the music contained inside ICU in Dandylions is nothing short of remarkable. BrokenNess are pop craftsmen of the highest order, making fun, upbeat songs reminiscent of a cross between the Beatles and Michael Penn. Regan Barger, Ray Hartman, Dane Estepa, and company have serious messages lurking just underneath these light and fluffy tunes--lyrics about divorce, addiction, and love for one's child that are as moving as any of the oh-so-sincere ballads now on the market. Rich harmonies, passionate lyrics, and ear-filling sound (Phil Spector would be proud) rule the day, perfectly combining the Beatles and Michael Penn comparisons into something that is truly original. Barger and BrokenNess are bound to be forces to be reckoned with--the music is too good to be otherwise.

  • It just feels so good to listen to this!
    author: Jennifer Layton

    Brokenness is a band that proves you can write songs about despair and redemption without being somber or angst-ridden. In fact, frontman/vocalist Regan Barger sounds like he’s being a big creative kid in the studio, even when some of these songs chronicle his own freefall into drug addiction and determined clawing back out. The high-spirited music gives a lift of hope behind the words. “I’ve used up all nine of my lives,” Barger confesses in “Selfish Sadness.” “The past is a sweet summer cloud, the present is a gun in my mouth, a coward who knows his way out, still I’m lying here.” But the music promises a miracle. In fact, if you grew up listening to Beatles albums and then got hooked on MTV pop, this music will embrace you. You’ll tumble back in time. It just feels so....good to listen to this. These songs are psychedelic, mystical, 60s & 70s nostalgia pop that sounds like John Lennon ducked into a recording studio on a quick trip back down to Earth. The harmonies are gorgeous. The instrumentation is so full, sounding like a hundred instruments – a rock orchestra and chorus. And when Barger moves from his troubled past into the promising here and now, love just pours out of his heart and flows into the music. The title track is a great example, inspired by the imagination of his four year-old daughter. I swayed in my seat. I starred tracks for my next mix tape. I almost called my mom. Almost. Let’s not get crazy, here.

  • Stellar vocals!
    author: Mark E. Waterbury

    Washington state's Broken Ness' rootsy influences seem to come more from Britain and other parts of the US than their native environs. Songs like "I Feel Bad" and "Junkie" take a definite Brit pop slant with a backdrop more the gritty burble of Mellencamp. "Selfish Sadness" has a bluesy feel with psychedelic flourishes, like Billy Bragg working with the Black Crowes. The songs have a kind of easygoing vibe but also enthrall you with stellar vocals and the way they utilize their retro passions.

  • The songwriting is imaginative and the music played near flawlessly
    author: Rikk Matheson

    From time to time something comes along the musical trail that has it's horns blowing to make sure you take notice . BrokenNess have that quality , and it is nice to know someone still knows how to put together a nice Concept CD . The disk has a way of pulling you through your troubles and helps you see the brighter side of life . I have a feeling we will be hearing more from BrokenNess.

  • 60s pop fans will be thrilled!
    author: Kevin Mathews

    Regan Barger is responsible for most of what you hear here, aided and abetted by Dane Estepa & Ray Hartman and probably the best way to describe this album is if you could imagine Bob Dylan jamming with the Beatles. Or perhaps Elvis Costello with Oasis, whatever. Needless to say, 60s pop fans will be thrilled.

  • An excellent disc by an excellent songwriter/band.
    author: Rick Arrow

    ...Lyrically, this disc is great. There's a lot of real meaty "struggling to get through"- type stuff, some of which is incredibly poignant, especially ICU in Dandylions, a touching ballad for the lead vocalists' daughter.... this is an excellent disc by an excellent songwriter/band. Should be interesting to see where they go next.

  • . First-rate performances, careful arrangements and polished production.
    author: Jim Santo

    A tuneful, thoughtful, heartfelt set of tunes about life, love, drugs, divorce and daddyhood from Regan Barger and his band. Solidly in the mainstream of modern pop-rock, ICU In Dandylions evokes late-period George Harrison, Tom Petty — and the confluence of the two, Traveling Wilburys. First-rate performances, careful arrangements and polished production elevate Brokenness above the demo-disc masses into the ranks of professional recording artists. Safe for my taste, but I know there's a substantial audience for such sounds; hope Barger finds it before too long.

  • touched
    author: Tara Rocuant

    my name is tara, and "the ocean makes her cry" is my favorite song in the world. i have been touched by ur music and it;s actually my DREAM to write songs like you do,ones that are fo filled with enotion and meaning. i hope i make it some day. xoxo, Tara

  • Guitar Pop That Matters
    author: Jeff Leisawitz

    Pop music is everywhere. But these days, instead of melodies that matter, the music machine tends to blare out meaningless, watered down tunes with no true intention. Then, just when you were about to throw your radio out the window, Tacoma, Washington's BrokenNess, busts onto the indie scene with a record that is pure pop heaven. The way it should be. While the lyrics to these tunes detail loneliness, addiction and despair, the music is generally light, clean and instantly memorable. The album opens with "Mr. Indecision," a brief character sketch that paints gray skies with a harmony chorus and a mid-tempo hook that uses melancholy and music to sets the tone for the rest of the journey. As the album moves through the chronology of depression ("I Feel Bad') and addiction ("Junkie", "Selfish Sadness") the listener gets a deeper sense of the bottomless pain that permeates this singer's world.The acoustic rhythm of "The Ocean Makes Her Cry (Tara)" , the seventies funk of "The Crutch of Every Fool" and the sweet redemption of "ICU in Dandylions" round out the set as some of the album's most important moments. The songcraft on BrokenNess's ICU in Dandylions is worlds ahead of the mainstream. As individual songs, these cuts shine with intelligence and dedicated pop sensibilities. As a collection, this record is a work of art. Instead of using flashy videos and millions of marketing dollars to move units, this band leverages the real power of music to communicate ideas in song. Radio programmers, label execs and music fans alike should clue in and take a hint from this very talented northwest trio.

  • enjoyable listening,songs that touch you
    author: Duiane Rice

    My kind of music. Songs that matter icu care Keep up the great music

  • Muzik Reviewz reviews BrokenNess' ICU in Dandylions
    author: Muzik Reviewz

    There is NOT one aspect of this cd that deserves a negative response. Muzik Reviewz now has the distinct pleasure and honor of reviewing the'ICU in Dandylions'cd. When you mix spectacular A1 vocals with superb instrumentals and excellent written material, produced and engineered, it is no wonder you end up with hot hot music like what is on 'ICU in Dandylions' cd. It doesn't matter what your musical preferences are, all listeners will love this cd and you will not be able to put it down, its one of those cd's that the more you listen-the more you crave it. To name just a few of the tracks, otherwise I would be listing the whole cd as my favorite:'Mr. Indecision'will start you off loving this cd...'Junkie' along with everything else has some rich keyboard action... 'Selfish Sadness' hot harmonica gets my attention ev' time...'Grain of Sand' shows some awesome love for a child...'Look at Me' was one of my favs, gave me chills and tears all at the same time...'The Ocean makes her Cry (Tara)' has that beatle overtones with a kick...'In a Song' has a spectacular and loving end. Pay attention - you'll hear the love...'ICU in Dandylions' will touch your heart and soul, the vocals and music is packed full of love. I recommend all listeners to purchase this 'ICU in Dandylions'. This will definitely be the best buy for your money..

  • Clever, heartfelt lyrics. Shining musicianship. A fun album.
    author: Don Hash

    The songs that Regan Barger has written on "ICU In Dandylions" come clearly from the heart and soul. Regan has a knack for clever, touching lyrics without being coy. The musicianship shines throughout and at times dazzles. Vocals, guitars, bass, drums and keyboards are all first rate. The harmonica playing is outstanding. There is some great harmonizing here. I experience a wide range of emotions listening to this album. This is ear candy! Don Hash, Spiritsong, Sacramento, CA.

  • Compelling!
    author: Laura T. Lynch, Kweevak.com

    Washington trio-Brokenness has a contemporary sound touched by The Beatles with a bit of Bowie. At times, the lead vocalist and main songwriter, Regan Barger sounds like John Lennon. This rock group incorporates strong bass lines, reserved precise percussion, energized guitars, trippy keyboards and tight harmonies to create a solid sound. Brokenness merges psychedelic pop with 90's alternative in honest intimate songs. This thirteen-track collection is well rounded with good chord progression, professional musicianship, clean production and expressive vocals. 'Junkie' opens with a smoldering guitar, incredible bass lines, a sorrowful insightful melody and a cool sound. The pain and anguish is apparent in this moving tale. 'Tara' has a solid groove, a catchy hook line and good use of the loops. 'The Crutch of Every Fool' starts off with funky drumming and bass and moves into a reflective rap, swirling loops and a soulful harmonica. Overall, Brokenness has picked up the pieces of rock history and glued it together with modern music to create a compelling collection of songs.

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