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 On the back of the insert of Richard X Heyman's new CD Actual Sighs, he writes, "Many years ago I wrote a tune called "Home Again", where I questioned the old adage "You can't go home again..." and yet ...there is a way in the form of a song to glance back and reminisce, recollect, maybe even reconsider. This album, for me was a chance to recapture a period of time and music that had slipped away."
Keep in mind, this was read after listening to the CD about six times, because that's how good it is. Noticing the strong resemblance to Tom Petty's and Bruce Springsteen's vocals, it came as no surprise that this CD was produced in Highland Park and Sayreville, New Jersey. What did come as a surprise was that the cover letter said Richard's influences were the Zombies, Byrds, Beatles, Who, Kinks and Ramones, just to name a few.
At first the comparison seemed way off, then, after thinking some more, it was decided that the comparison was indeed justified. After all, who were Tom Petty's and Bruce Springsteen's musical influences - The Beatles, The Who, The Byrds, etc. Moving right along...how does one describe the Richard X Heyman 'return home' experience? Let's break it down.
To start, Heyman's lyrics carry a passion and sophistication that represents the mind of a truly well aged musician. This statement is meant in a good way. Richard X Heyman can be described as a "fine wine" musician. He plays all the instruments recorded on the CD, except for a few. His wife even pitches in with some bass playing.
From the first track, "Kenyon Wall" to the last, "Special Love", the listener is treated to the vintage sounds made famous by the likes of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen and the E street Band and even the Traveling Wilburys.
The experience of listening to this CD is nothing short of taking a trip back home to a small town with a train track running through the middle of it, with a back drop of industrial chimneys belching out their by-products. It's a town where the local watering hole sponsors the neighborhood garage bands that play welcomed sets of good, old-fashioned rock 'n roll, rhythm and blues. No artificial flavors or colors have been added.
The vocals are raw and untouched, pure and clear. One does not need an insert strewed with lyrics, because Mr. Heyman articulates the words with clarity and soulful yearning that is impossible to imitate with computer generation.
"Kenyon Wall" mixes violins and acoustic guitars, along with a rich rhythm section of bass and drums. The melody has an East Asian/Indian sound with a country-rock flare. The song's lyrics talk about visiting one's past loves and relationships. Other than a hint of ELO, Jeff Lynn vocals, it's unique.
"Stockpile" is an upbeat rock tune that strangely resembles a track from Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album. It has definite radio play potential. The lyrics are humorous with political commentary, "I had it with the species. I had it with the race. Sometimes I think I've just been dropped from outer space. There's a world out there that's closing in on me. I'm gonna stay locked up until I'm sure. Stockpiled behind my door..."
"Winter Blue" talks about a man trying desperately to reach the heart of someone he loves. The lyrics use color metaphorically to describe how he feels when he is with this person. The melody, chord progressions and poignant lyrics are something reminiscent of Springsteen's "She's the One" off the Born to Run album. A slight hint of Spanish fandango beat is heard as well.
"Twelve Bars And I Still Have the Blues" is a song about a bar hopper looking for some action and a chance to forget how lonely and loveless he feels. Its Stevie-Ray-Vauhn style of basic blues makes it refreshing to hear new material that sounds so classic and true to the soul. It's played with real instruments, no over dubbing, no fancy computer cover-up work.
"A Fine Line" offers an edgier attitude most often heard in today's punk and alternative rock bands, but it's offered up in a melody played with pure acoustics. Its lyrics are laced with anti-war overtones, political messages and Marilyn Manson sentiments about the "belongers" versus the "non-conformists". It doesn't forget the consequences that the non-conformists face either.
"When Giants Fall" carries with it a strong message about sticking to one's own convictions no matter what, "Just hold your ground until you have it all, and you'll be standing when the giants fall..." If the upbeat melody, soft rock sound does not leave the listener comparing it to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or Traveling Wilburys, then the lyrics, which inspire the listener to speak out will definitely echo the old expression, "I won't back down."
After listening to this CD, it's plainly obvious that this music would appeal to the 35 and older crowd. Yet, with the alternative rock attitude that this music seems to hint at, it's not impossible to believe that some of the members of the 12 and older crowd, who have the good sense to enjoy a more eclectic taste in music and therefore, is not afraid to dabble in the genre's of the late seventy's and early eighty's, may prove themselves to be just as an attentive audience as their parents.
Mr. Heyman adds a pinch of pop alternative to the original ingredients of a great late seventy's tune that strips away all stereotyping. It's not only a refreshing break in the monotony of grunge-grinding wanna-bees and hip hop rap, it's a relief!
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