Russell Starke
Centerlight
© 2003 Russell Starke (659057942124)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
An intelligent and eclectic blend of well-crafted rock, pop, folk, and experimental music.
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Originally from Long Island, New York, Russell Starke is currently an active member of the Philadelphia music community. He has been known for his work with original East Coast bands such as Basstrap and Liquid Fusion as well as for his podcasts with UsedWigs.com and award-winning sound design for film-makers The After-School Specialists. In addition to his solo career he works with various singer/songwriters in the NY/NJ/DE/PA area and is a member of Philadelphia favorites The Levelheads and the Brian Donahue Band.
Centerlight, released in the Spring of 2003, is Starke's first official solo release - with plenty of the warts-and-all charm of a collection cooked up in a home studio.
Taking advantage of the artistic freedom allowed by an independent release, the genre-jumping music on Centerlight reflects Russell's avid interest in music of all genres. The album as a whole is characterized by intelligent and eclectic songwriting, solid musicianship, interesting production techniques, and honest lyrical observations.
For more information on Russell Starke, visit www.russellstarke.com.
reviews
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Amazing! Centerlight is a masterpiece!
author: BaldyYears ago, I can remember playing some of the songs from this CD when they were in their very infancy. When I listen to the finished recordings of those same tunes, I get goosebumps! Not only is Russ an amazing guitarist, he has created music out of thin air using his abilities and very multifaceted musicianship. Furthermore, the lyrics he has written tell stories that only Russ could tell. I am honored to be playing the low notes for this chap's dream.
Impressive!
author: KristaReading the other reviews I was a little intimidated because I wasn't sure I could write such a technical review, but I just wanted to say that I love this CD! It is very impressive that Russ did EVERYTHING himself! It is a great CD to take with you in the car! The lyrics are very real and meaningful.
An amazing musical statement
author: Brian DonahueWhen I first heard one of Russ' recordings (happened to end up as the opening track on this CD, "Lost For Words" - and still my favorite track!)I thought - "man, this guy is a good guitarist." When he told me he wanted to play bass with me on my songs, I thought he'd probably sound like a guitarist playing bass - just not the same as a "real" bassist. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong, and this CD proves undeniably that not only is Russ a great guitarist, AND a great bassist - he's a phenomenal musician with an array of talents. You've already heard it, but it bears repeating - every note, noise, and lyric you hear on this CD was created and recorded by Russ. And he knows how to work every instrument he touches so that his songs come together sounding like a cohesive band and not one guy. Russ told me this album was going to be his one musical "statement," and anyone who is a fan of music should hear what this guy has to say.
Kick ass! A must have
author: TastyStarkes' first album explores all different genres of sound from a variety of different, evident influences. While many would think this impossible, Starke pulls it off with amazing grace and professionalism. The instrument work itself sends a direct message, and when molded perfectly with "hit home" lyrics, "centerlight" is something for all to enjoy. A favorite in my player! Pick it up.
Fresh, versatile, and creative!
author: JeffEvery track on the Centerlight CD has a new and creative sound, with lyrics that are just as great. I've listened to the CD many times over and love the variety among the tracks. I never feel like I'm listening to a different variation of the same song (as is often the case with other artists' CDs). Can't wait to see the artist in concert. Bottom line...Excellent CD! Buy it!!!
Accessing everything from Kerouac to Zappa, Starke's debut kicks ass.
author: Marcus HsweIf you love music, then you'll love this CD. I mean that on many levels. If you appreciate anything and everything - from Daniel Lanois' eerie guitar work to Frank Zappa's irreverant jams - then this is the touchstone you keep going back to. Covering the gamut from pop sensibility to progressive rock, Starke's pulled off the Triple Crown of musicianship - he did it all himself, from instruments to producing. What amazes me is that the smallest detail has greatest clarity - listen to the high hat work - listen to the harmonies - listen to the ambient sounds (particularly the opening track, which boldly declares he doesn't need vocals to open an album - that's balls, baby). At times, Starke pushes himself vocally, too, which reminds me of Peter Gabriel's mammoth album, "So." You're right there with him as he climbs over the top of his register and plants an exclamation mark at the end. Listen to the words - there's a beat influence - there's a little bit of Lou Reed. You'd think this is a shotgun approach to creating music, but really it's a exact strike to the senses that sends you reeling. And I mean that in a good way. So stop fiddling around and get some real music in your CD player.