Bob Dylan without the politics; A less stoic Leonard Cohen; Billy Joel minus the bull; Cat Stevens without dogmatic leanings; Neil Young without the bad albums; Bruce Springsteen without socialism; Neil Diamond without cheese; Good atheism wraped in clever folk.
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"Here's a neat twist: A literate and trend defying signer/songwriter at play in the Leonard Cohen playground. Using language as intelligently as he uses his guitar and creating a sense of immediacy and reflection with his subtle arrangements, McGraw accomplishes what the greater majority of his peers consistently fail to do -challenging you to listen and think about what he's saying.
    The 16 songs are assembled as suites, with "Intro" offering the bold and introspective "Judas Disguise." Other songs I found myself returning to are "These Wholes in My Body On South Street," Leaving You Forever," and "Her Sacred Status."
    With a voice somewhere between Phil Ochs and Eric Andersen, You'll be htting the replay button, too.

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Independentsongwriter's Indie Pick of the Month September 2002
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This CD is a departure from what I normally review on Indulged, but this guy definitely deserves some recognition. Richard McGraw is a 25 year-old singer-songwriter based in Queens who quit graduate school to record this CD. So, that's one reason why you should check this guy out right there. This may be considered Christian music, and that's one problem that can either be quickly ignored or acknowledged (whatever one prefers).

Her Sacred Status, My Militant Needs makes me wonder what is so great about Dashboard Confessional, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and all other solo musicians. Richard should be right up there with them, considering he's probably twice as intelligent and talented, and he's "completed a handgun safety course." If Richard killed John Mayer and Jack Johnson, then maybe his music would be heard. But, that wouldn't be very Christian I'm guessing. At least it'd be done safely. 

Richard's music immediately reminded me of Radiohead (The Bends or OK Computer) and Live (The Distance To Here and whatever their new album is called). There's also a hint of Peter, Paul and Mary in some of the story-telling songs. My favorite tunes are "A Poem/Confession" and "Newburgh."

Rating: 4/5 (08.27.02)
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