He can be both warm and earnest or ironic and powerfully bittersweet...
author: Isthmus (weekly newspaper in Madison, WI)
Nathans is a guitar-strumming singer-songwriter with a knack for evoking the spirit of the big swath of flyover land between the country's overpopulated coasts. He can be both warm and earnest or ironic and powerfully bittersweet (as he is on the albums catchiest cut, "American West"), and on many tracks he gets excellent support from multi-instrumentalist Bradley Fish, violinist Randy Hoecherl and other Madison-associated players.
I'm not sure Nathans' stabs at straightforward political writing on the roots-rock groove "Senator McCain" and the populist's lament "I Remember Howard Dean" will have much of an audience outside of music-loving poli-sci departments and news rooms, but he deserves points for elevating folk-rock above the usual I, me, mine solipsism. In fact, I'd be interested in hearing a full disk of his political material.
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A refreshing mix of delicately crafted and wildly enjoyable songs
author: Madison Songwriters Group newsletter, "The B-Side"
Aaron Nathans emerges from Madison’s music scene as a master melodic storyteller of modern day life, a prominent trait that separates him from the increasingly generic label of “acoustic folk-rock.” This CD shines with life.
The cover photo tells most of the story. Aaron’s face glows with the childlike enthusiasm that permeates this collection, a refreshing mix of delicately crafted and wildly enjoyable songs.
The outstanding songwriting is the foundation of this project, and the breadth of genres is reminiscent of Cheryl Wheeler. From the Jewish-rock chant of the song "Same Old You" through the alt-country heart of "American West" to the REM-inspired "I Won’t Talk," Aaron takes the listener on an incredible ride around music country. These driving songs are beautifully juxtaposed against the tenderness of "Safe Now" and "Camaguey"...
"The Old People’s Fruit" wraps up the ten tracks on this project. This clever number uses the bittersweet quality of grapefruit to humbly comment on the most important things in life. Even more amazing; the first several times I listened to this song end, I could do nothing but leave the CD in the player and let it start all over again...
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