Album Notes

From his earliest recordings to his latest album, Desert Farmer, Brian Franklin's songs have studied different types of internal and external struggles: from war and greed, to relationships and identity. While most of them offer a hopeful resolution, they're not happy songs. Not even close.

In August of 2005, Franklin was approached by his old friend and collaborator, Rat Bastard, to record in his newly-updated studio in Miami Beach. Though Franklin has written (if not recorded) over 70 songs, he had a particular set in mind - written as a backdrop to the build-up and engagement of America's current wars.

Desert Farmer's nine songs loosely trace the plight of non-combatants both here and abroad and features artists such as Diane Ward, Matthew Sabatella, Jack Shawde, Russ Rogers, Bastard, Ken Franklin, and names familiar to South Florida audiences: Arlan Feiles, Emily Easterly, Dean Fields, and Alex Diaz

While political themes and war allusions have long been part of Franklin's songwriting - Desert Farmer is a more focused and conceptual effort. The album takes the listener on a dark path that starts only slightly more optimistic than it ends; even the most hopeful line, "In my dreams... the streets are clean, and we all stand together," is stated doubtfully. The final song, with lyrics by Franklin and melody by Fields, has the protagonist helpless to do anything but comfort a soldier's widow. The album also features "Bullet Butterfly" - Franklin's first songwriting collaboration with Fields. Inspired by the news of the past four years, Franklin hopes the album will call more attention to civilians whose lives have been shattered by conflicts beyond their control.

Now 32 years old, and with 8 years passed since his last official release, Franklin is more focused and driven than ever before. With Desert Farmer a relevant and timely outcry against violence, Franklin is looking forward to promoting the release internationally.

PRESS Quotes regarding prior releases:

THE NEXT FLASH: "Franklin steps into the singer/songwriter spotlight with such blinding clarity it's hard to imagine him doing anything else but this. Franklin's songs are a pure joy to listen to... his somewhat raspy voice a soothing, hypnotic instrument in itself."

FT. LAUDERDALE SUN SENTINEL: "Brian Franklin didn't reinvent the wheel. He writes pop songs and delivers them with conviction. We get so caught up in looking for the "next big thing" that good songwriting gets overlooked. Brian Franklin is a great songwriter getting better."

MIAMI NEW TIMES: Best Acoustic Performer, "Quite the singer songwriter in his own right, the proof of which now can be heard on Suburban Hallucinations... Franklin's full, raspy vocals hi the right emotional buttons." "Suburban Hallucinations is a revelation, exposing the rich, subtle expressiveness in Franklin's warbling.' "[Stir Fried World] is a natural progression from Franklin's worthy debut effort."

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE: "With his introspective lyrics and affecting vocal style, [Franklin} has become a familiar face on the stages of South Florida's rock clubs and coffee houses."

INK 19: "Franklin's delivery is soulful and passionate... Suburban Hallucinations provides the perfect soundtrack for those who are surprised by moments of joy in the darkest of times."

XS/CITYLINK MAGAZINE: "...a polished, passionate delivery... [Franklin's] voice hits every peak and valley. He unleashes his emotions with poignancy." "[Stir Fried World] succeeds admirably."