It would be very difficult to begin a review of Dean Friedman’s seventh studio album, “Submarine Races” without considering his previous output and the songs that have made him a name synonymous with the perfectly crafted pop tune.
In 1977 he entered the consciousness with the infectious ‘Ariel’ and singles over the years such as ‘Lydia’, ‘Rocking Chair’ and ‘Lucky Stars’ have cemented Dean Friedman into the singer/songwriter hall of fame, whether or not the listener likes it or not. His foray into the soundtrack composing arena has been no less distinguishing with his contribution to the underground “I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle”. His prior recorded releases aside, it may be considered sensible to consider the content of “Submarine Races” in isolation.
The title track ‘Submarine Races’ is a lilting jamboree of gently floating guitar and careful narrative vocal that sets the bar particularly high. The country flavoured ‘I’m a Luck Guy’ and ‘Under the Weather’ excrete class and song writing finesse, under heartening and comforting vocals which could not fail to bring cheer to the face of the most wretchedly cynical old detractor.
‘You’re a Criminal Darling’ reminds the listener of how perfectly right on target Friedman is when composing and performing heartfelt love songs. In some sense, the naive vocal style lends these tunes a passion and an innocence which is unusually disarming, and utterly charming. ‘Luddite’s Lament’ uses tender jazz phrases as the basis to deliver a sharp appraisal of technology, Facebook, Twitter, Kindle and Google....
Read the full review at This Is Not A Scene
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