Frank Carlier defines himself as a hillbilly from West Virginia, and makes no bones about it. But he is much more than that. He is a viper’s nest of ironies and dichotomies, to use what Carlier would call $20 words.
Depending on who you talk to, there is no shortage of definitions for Carlier. He has been labeled a misogynist ($25 for that word), as well as a crazy son of a bitch. The latter commonly used by musicians who have had the good fortune or misfortune of sharing a stage with him. The fact is he is neither or both. Depending on how you look at things is what makes Carlier a mystery. He is the mystery guy with dark glasses and a sneer.
Frank’s Gospel is the message that drives his music. He writes about common, everyday people caught in life and left there like driftwood tossed up on the beach at low tide. His song, “The Sacred Vow” [Born Again] is a heartbreaking portrait of lives lived on the edge of the good life, lives left out of the American Dream to spin with poetic pointlessness and eventually vanish.
For someone like Carlier, who has lived most of his life in the Bible Belt, where down home religion and narrow social niches define people as if they were made of stone not flesh, twisting definitions around is a way of escaping confinement. Carlier hates confinement and definitions - which are usually ways of imprisoning reality.
To define his style as modern folk or edgy country would pay him a great disservice. It is neither and it is both. His role models are those classic figures that tow similar lines of definition: Tom Waits, Randy Newman, John Prine. Boys left out of the “good old boys” club who look at the world ways no one else bothers to think about.
Whatever else one may think about him Carlier’s voice is truly American. Born of immigrant blood, brought up in the heart of West Virginia’s coal fields, in a small town nestled in mountain country; he appeals as the voice of a lost community. His voice can be like the raspy rumble of an idling Harley or the mournful chant of a hill country troubadour.
He writes most of his songs while traveling in his car. He likes to travel fast, spinning verses that are as quirky and memorable as riding down a country back road at night, at a hundred miles an hour with the lights off.
In some circles, his personality type might be called contrary. In his music this contrary quality becomes an art form. His first CD was about wasted and pointless lives, violence, failed love, and death, and he called it “Born Again”. His second CD was about love, mid-life discovery and nostalgia, and he called it “Hellbound”.
Staying vital and faithful to his own hard-times gospel his newest CD “Americana 101" is definitely his best work so far. He sketches an elaborate complex and certainly detailed picture of those people whose portraits are never painted, whose biographies are never written, who never make the newspaper except in the police blotter or the obituaries. It is about the inhumanity and incompetence of how our communities, country and lives are being run. It is about how people are being chewed up and mangled and spit out like so much useless mulch.
“Americana 101" is bound to hit everyone between both eyes, like a sawed off shotgun shell full of irony pellets.
Fernando Revis, Composer, Grammy Award Winner, Freelance Journalist.
A great dark story telling voice, strong lyrics with a very rootsy and diverse sound. Just amazing...one of the greatest discoveries of the year. I just hope more music lovers discover him. Ray Pieters - Belgium Radio.
A real musical personality. Michel Penard - ISA Radio France.
The song writing has a depth of a life fully lived and realized, and a wickedly delicious sense of humor. Carol O'Quinn's vocal harmonies are wonderful. Emmylouesque yes, but better suited to Frank's songs. And the music is so delicate in places against the harsh realism of some of the lyrics. Kevin Sullivan - FM Dublin.
Carlier's music is the kind that plants its heels hard into the earth and digs, the kind that takes a troubled story and twines it around a handful of eager, carefully honed instruments like a flowering vine twisted among barbed wire. His voice is sandy and his picking is hypnotic, and the music it all makes together is something rooted in dirt and in the muscle. Music that is carefully put together and deeply exhaled. Music with stories and a craft behind it. Marc Schultz - Charleston City Paper.
A very fine talent. Not only as a multi-instrumentalist but also as a singer-songwriter in the great American tradition of contemporary folk (but with some good country and blues connections also). Massimo Ferro - Radio Italy.
"Americana 101" met my most favorable review. In the spirit of the baseball playoffs...it sure popped the mit of my mind with a full complement of fastball's, wicked curves and a Jerry Springer knuckleball. Super Good!
Eddie Russell DJ
Country Eastern West.
Frank's songs are extremely unique within the Americana genre...warm songs...like movies...with big scores...visual...timeless...excellent and brilliant! "Americana 101" is "crossing all borders" to people who just like good in depth music!!! Just like in any genre there is too much "it sounds all the same material" in the Americana genre. This is different!
Lord Litter Dittmar
An interesting CD. I don't think Frank is as "White Trashy" as he likes to picture himself, just more in tune to the realities of a world in which the working class is the oppressed underclass. I think it is great. It is one of those albums where several songs are on the edge which I like...it might offend some people...which is probably a good thing.
Bill Wagman, KDVS Radio, Davis, California.
Again Frank has made a masterpiece in Americana 101. I love his earlier releases "Born Again, and "Hellbound" and this one is a winner too with its sharp lyrics and strong singing and playing. I really hope that the slicker production will help take him from cult status to stardom. Well, at least in the American Roots/Americana community.
Theo Oldenburg, "Alternative Country Cooking", Radio Netherlands.
In short, I just don't love it, I adore it. It really blew me away. His best to date, by a stretch. Mature, dare I suggest, like a fine wine. Truly fine.
Kevin Sullivan, FM Dublin.
What a great album! To my ears the best independent record of 2006.
Thomas Kaldijk, Radio Parkstad Holland.
This CD is a real pleasure. First visually (with a beautiful cover and booklet)and then both vocally and instrumentally. Frank has a rare talent for writing songs with catchy melodies, a very good sound, and excellent vocals. Really perfect.
Mike Penard, DJ[France] and FAR Reporter.
Hell of a job!
Roel Stabler, DJ Havenstad FM.
After several listens of "Americana 101" I keep finding new angles and twists in each new listen. Frank is a gifted songwriter. There are no middle of the road songs. All in a perfect listening order. It is a stretch to describe or judge "Americana 101". It is excellent each time I hear it. Great album, great lyrics, and a great artist...Frank is going to have his share of airplay for sure.
Lars G. Limberg, MCWC Radio Sweden
"Americana 101" is Frank Carlier's third solo album and is immediately out the door one of the best independent albums of the year. This singer/songwriter and self-professed Hillbilly from West Virginia has no need of a record contract or label. He sends his CDs to stations around the world where they are highly valued. His colleagues in song writing are the likes of Tom Waits, John Prine and Randy Newman. He writes about the ordinary man. He wails upon the injustice of society and the incompetence of government. His disc contains 13 songs that run the gamut of folk, alternative country, Tex-Mex, and roots rock. The first cut is an electric guitar laden song entitled "White Trash" which is reminiscent of Newil Young and Crazy Horse. The rest of the CD is acoustically charged. "Angels in the Death House" is an emotional song where Carlier puts himself in the place of a prisoner on death row. "Old Red" is a beautiful number where he declares his love for his favorite car that has run its last mile. "Underneath the American Dream" addresses the plight of the anonymous hard worders who remain invisible outside the so called American dream. With its beautful melody lines it is a CD with no weak spots. He reminds me of the powerful songsmith Fred Eaglesmith who also chooses to stay from the mainstream and writes about the edgy subjects that are often passed over by other songwriters for fear of unpopularity by the masses. Frank Carlier has delivered a hell of a disc with "Americana 101".
Tomas Kaldijk - DJ Holland.
The debut CD of Frank Carlier "Born Again" [1999] was a real eye opener for folk rock lovers. He approached his song writing as if he were parenting a child. This was my first acquaintance for me with the so called Wild Man "Hillbilly" from West Virginia.
I then discovered that this was really his second release for as leader of the primarily instrumental band "The Blue Wave" he released "Night Breed" in 1995. It was laden with Celtic, Folk, Jazz and blows back to hot picking Blue Grass. He penned most of the original material but with only a few well written vocals.
Then doing a 180 degree shift Carlier created a new perspective and direction for "Alternative Country" and "Americana Roots" music when he took the musical helm on "Born Again."
In 2003 Carlier then reinvents himself once again as a nicer and more sensitive singer/songwriter in his most amazing pleasant & beautiful sounding CD entitled "Hellbound." Carlier becomes more of a modern day folk singer borrowing from other musical genres of "Tex-Mex, Calypso, Blues, and even Dixie Land Jazz" to get his musical points of view across.
Carlier takes off the gloves so to speak on his third solo CD "Americana 101" It is the best of the best. The opening number "White Trash" is a beauty of a rocker that gets the CD off to a great start.
Over the twelve song on the CD Carlier presents musically his observances of the world around him. From his wicked hooks on "Angels in the Death House" where he sings of the remorse of a condemned man to his border song "Underneath the American Dream" where he describes the perils of an illegal from perspectives so realistic you almost can see the cell and smell the sweat of the labor of his characters he created.
He writes of the beauty of life and the beauty of memory. "Julia Painted" is a perfect example of this. His guitar playing is also a thing of beauty.
But he also quite bluntly and freely points out the injustice of the world around us. And Frank serves it up straight with no chaser. His refrain on "Blue Moon of Kentucky" on the end of his song "Old Crow" is exceptional and impressive and one of the many high points of this CD.
Not yet convinced? Put it this way.....
"Americana 101" is mandatory. "Americana 101" is down right glorious. "Americana 101" is the most impressive Americana CD of the year. "Americana 101" is an American classic.
Roots Time Magazine Review
Music comes first to me. I normally don't listen to the words.
But Frank lyrics are very strong and that goes well with his good music.
Hans Hanegraaf
American Music Radio Shows
Hailing from West Virginia, Frank Carlier is a man on a musical mission! This new album is best described as "Modern Folk" or "Edgy Country", a hint of hillbilly rocknroll...definitely real "Americana".
Overflow Radio
This might be the best roots CD that I have listened to this year!
Carlier's dark voice, well defined lyrics, and strong story lines are supported by his superb musicianship.
The instrumental "Manuel's Farewell" leaves you ogling. But soon you realize that Frank has just used it as a prelude for his border song "Underneath the American Dream".
He does not hide from his influences, but embraces and molds them to his own musical desires and needs. "The Last Man Standing" is laden with his electric 12 string guitar to give it a Byrds type pop flavor. If Carlier did not write the humorous "I'm Going On The Jerry Springer Show" I am sure John Prine would have gotten around to it.
Some of the outstanding moments of this CD are performances of Carlier's background singer Carol O'Quinn. From the great hooks of "Angels In The Deathous" to the vicious rocker "White Trash" she beautifully adds a Emmylou Harris type quality to counter Carlier's rough and whisky soaked vocals.
The beautiful piano and guitar work on "Julia Painted" and the hard edged outtro of Blue Moon of Kentucky on "Old Crow" are just some more of the highlights that makes "Americana 101" the perfect title for this CD for it is pure Americana.
It has everything you could wish for.
Alternative Country Magazine Review.
It is very hard, indeed, to define Frank Carlier. Is he a songwriter or musician? Moreover, he seems to be the type of creative character who enjoys making himself difficult to describe. Maybe it is easier to define Carlier as a poet than singer/songwriter and musician because his music is sheer poetry. One thing for sure is Carlier doesn't compromise.
In his opening track "White Trash" he comes off as a true country superstar while with "Angels in the Death House" he is much more of a musical rebel. He is equal parts Steve Earle, Tom Russell, Joe Ely and John Prine throughout this cd while "Old Red" could have come from a collaboration between Tom Pacheco and Guy Clark.
Most reviews list stars when words fail but with Carlier you really can't award him stars because there are not enough stars, let alone words - he is that good.
Unfortunately this does not apply to Carlier's sparse website. Maybe he is trying to remain a mystery forever.
European Web Magazine Review.
I was already impressed by Carlier's previous CDs "Born Again" and "Hellbound", but his new CD "Americana 101" is a far stronger and heavier musical experience. I have always appeciated Carlier's song writing but this goes far beyond his past efforts. This is pure song writing at its best.
It is as if each song is a short story, and when taken together as a whole the CD becomes a novel.
Carlier sketches an unflinchingly realistic image of American society. The listener is introduced, in songs like "Underneath the American Dream", "Old Crow", "Angels in the Death House", and "Underneath the American Dream", to characters who live on the edge of society, outcasts, outlaws, Mexicans, Navajo Indians, poor boys enticed into the Army to lay down their lives. In short, all of those who have missed out on the so called "American Dream".
His songs cover alot of ground - from injustice, executions, the incompetence of the American government in its war in Afghanistan to the plainly hilarious and the deeply personal. In "Old Red" he sings the praises of the love of his life - an old car, and "I'm Going On The Jerry Springer Show" is just hilarious. "Julia Painted" and "Father's Day" reach right for your heart.
All of the musicians surrounding Carlier are of the highest caliber. They are able to jump from country to country rock, to American folk, to roots rock, and country gospel following Carlier on his musical pilgrimage of America. I must however make special mention of Carol O'Quinn. The pure beauty of her voice mixes to perfection with Carlier's.
I have always been a fan of songwriters who have something to say. I hope to hear Carlier perform one day and meet him. I have the same respect for him as I do John Prine, David Olney and Fred Eaglesmith.
Mazzmusikas [Magazine Review].
Frank Carlier is a true troubadour, paying debts to the likes of John Prine and James Talley. His sound is classic country rock and folk. While Americana 101 does not break any new musical barriers it has a strong lyrical identity which perfectly describes the backstreets of America.
Fabio Cerbone - Rootshighway.
When I opened this CD I was immediately impressed with the artwork, and when I listened to the music I was struck with how perfect the match between the two were. With his new CD "Americana 101" has become the new spokeperson for the white southern working class.
Carlier is a southerner with deep roots in West Virginia. He writes songs about common people who are often over looked by most singer songwriters. His characters are the beautiful losers of America, and it is this aspect of the CD which reveals a strong thematic content. It reminds me of the work of John Benefit and James Talley.
As with his former releases "Born Again" and "Hellbound" he plays most of the instruments himself. Specific mention, however, must be made of Fernando Rivas, the grammy award winning pianist appears throughout the CD and his contributions are particularly outstanding. Carlier, himself is a wonderful musician but he has the good sense not to overpower the stories he weaves.
The opening song "White Trash", a rousing country rock song, seems to be both autobiographical and scornful with equal measures of irony and pride. Subsequent songs "Angels In The Deathouse", "Underneath The American Dream", the marginal character "Old Crow", the beautiful "Julia Painted", and the heart breaking "Father's Day" while much quieter in tone are equally honest and tragic portraits.
One song in particular stands out from all the rest, however. "The Burden Of The Red White And Blue" with lyrics like"
And every night the news is just the same
They show the numbers of the losses
Not the faces or the names
But no politicians daughter nor son of a
Congress Man
Will shed a drop of blood on the sand.
Carlier takes popular song writing to its noblest limit.
Outsiders Magazine.
Well into his middle years, Frank Carlier has been playing music a long time; as far as I can make out this is his third solo record, and it has been attracting enough attention to put him on the Americana map. Deservedly so, too, because this is a strong record marrying excellent musicianship to some strong songwriting. His manifesto is laid down in the rocking opener, "White Trash": "I'm 'white trash' born, I'm 'white trash' raised/ From my first breath to my dying day/ All my life, sweat, toil and slave/ For a dream that won't come to pass/ I'm just a legacy of 'white trash' ".
What we get here, then, is a tour of blue collar woes, from the illegal immigrants working below union rates for a shot at the American Dream, through the poor kids scooped up by recruiting sergeants to serve in wars they don't understand, to the death row prisoner in his final hours hoping his victim's family will find comfort in his punishment. ( More sentiment than analysis going on there, I think).
Plenty of celebratory songs, too: a paean to his favourite old car that opens with a whole verse of love song before he reveals that the object of his affection is a ton of metal, not his favourite lady; a song to the memory of a childhood idol ("I wouldn't want him as a role model if I had a son") and, most out and out comic of all, "I'm Going on the Jerry Springer Show"; he skewers the awful fascination of watching and wanting to join in: "I'm gonna have to save up my welfare check for the cash that I'm about to blow/ On the giant plasma tv so I can see me on the show". Best song for me, though is "Julia Painted", a stately and dignified tune celebrating his mother's facility for art that brought colour and dreams to a family life that epitomised the working poor. Beautifully structured so that it demands a sincere performance, this is really a very moving song.
There's a wide variety of arrangements here, from the electric rocking country of "White Trash", through acoustic numbers and the Tex-Mex of "Manuel's Farewell", a beautiful instrumental, to the country gospel of "I'm Not Forsaken". Throughout Frank Carlier's guitar playing shines through: he can be very delicate, which always amazes me from a big man, and it's a pleasure to listen for his playing as each track comes by. I can't say there's a knockout punch that leaves you gasping for more, but there's plenty to enjoy and there's the ring of truth about his songs that'll make this record well worth revisiting as the years go by, just to see where we've come from.
John Davy - www.whisperinandhollerin.co.uk/reviews
Americana 101 gives us a bakers dozen snapshots of blue collar life and troubles. It's similar territory to Fred Eaglesmith, but Carlier rocks harder...He also skates closer to the edge, a lot of listeners will struggle with songs that criticise affirmative action (White Trash), or suggest that Abu Graib abuser Charles Graner is "held accounatble for the politically correct" (Burden of the Red, White and Blue)...But Carlier also writes sympathetically about the plight of immigrants (Underneath the American Dream), nails the Jerry Springer Show to hilarious effect (I'm Going on the Jerry Springer Show) and writes in a genuinely moving way about his mother in Julia Painted, which makes Americana 101 a difficult album to call. The title could be seen as a trifle presumptuous..but Carlier articulates the views and lives of an awful lot of Americans, people who are routinely either dismissed...or just plain ignored, and his songs probably say more about America than a dozen Ryan Adams albums. Add that to an earthy blue collar rock and roll sound and the jury comes down on his side.
Maverick Magazine.
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