I played Spell during a car trip back to my husband's and my hometown in Northern Minnesota.  My twelve-year-old daughter loved it.  We all did.  When the entire CD was finished, my daughter insisted that we listen to the first track one more time.  It is one of my favorites too.  Another song that touches me is about making changes -- growing up for a loved one.  I can imagine Chris watching his wife in her wedding gown.
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I'd been listening to Kowanko's debut album since it came out in 1993 (remember "Grey Crayon" on WDRE?). It's one of those albums that seems to appreciate as the years pass.

Recently I decided to try to find Kowanko online and discovered that he'd put out Spell in 2001. I bought a copy and was delighted to find out that all the things I loved about his first album are employed to full effect on the follow-up (eight years later!). 

Chris has a completely distinctive voice, both literally and in terms of his overall vision. When he opens his mouth, you know it's him instantly; a somewhat quirky distillation of Neil Tennant and Chrissy Hynde (!). Equally distinctive are his colorful, clever lyrical narratives and a singular mix of winking wit, affecting storytelling and just enough inscrutability to keep things from being too obvious.

I'm really looking forward to hearing Monsterbuck, his new band, which is already working on their second album! It's great to have Chris Kowanko making music at a more prolific clip these days!
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I'd heard the song "Count Me In" on a college radio station and it made me happy so I bought the CD and it's great!  Highly recommended.  Subtle, intelligent, and just a great listen.
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Spell is the second release by singer/songwriter Chris Kowanko. Chris also plays guitars, concertina and the fender Rhodes on this eclectic twelve-track collection. Kowanko writes a mix of lyrics ranging from sentimental to questioning. He states that he has been influenced by many musicians but his sound is a unique blend all his own. His style is a mix of pop and rock with a touch of modern and world.  ‘Sometimes’ has a carnival feel a nostalgic tone and provocative vocals. ‘Cry Uncle’ has intriguing lyrics and instrumentation as well as nice guitar work. Spell is an enchanting mix of music executed with soulful yet slightly unusual vocals.
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