Something Like Sound

Background

January 20, 2009, saw the release of a refreshing album by a relatively new Canadian artist, Matt York. Under the Streetlights was released in 2006 as York’s first album, Wedding Day with Grace (2008) was a fair sophomore effort accentuating his busy tour schedule, but Mine should attract even more attention to this very talented artist. With his acoustic/funk/jazz style and a voice reminiscent of John Mayer, widespread popularity should not be far off. Fans of Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, John Mayer, and Dave Matthew’s Band will thoroughly enjoy listening to this album and will remember a style that has nearly been forgotten in modern music.

Memorable Song

Reflecting on times of difficulty and trial. “Hard Days” shines even though it is one of the slower songs on the album. The lyrics transport the listener to a time when jobs were not guaranteed, when one had to struggle to make a living, when perseverance was lauded. He likens that time to the current economic hardships and implores the current generation to remember the trials of previous generations and to push through until better days. A children’s choir heard in the background aids York in capturing a feeling of desire for a better life which almost sounds like a mournful, but passionate, African spiritual.

Forgettable Song

“Give Me Love” is not necessarily a forgettable song, but one that might be ignored or seem slightly out of place on the album. The track starts off with an upbeat, funk-style intro which is only found on one other song. The rest of the song strays from the style of the intro which turns out to help the song but leads to more questions of why that intro was there in the first place. Most of the album is a slower tempo which makes the whole song seem somewhat distant from the rest of the record. York’s singing saves the odd start and the song winds up not being a terrible tune, but simply unmemorable.

In Closing

Starting with “Death Came a Knockin’,” a captivating a cappella tune, the album’s tone was set. Full of catchy tunes and stylistic changes, Mine is a great album for those who enjoy anything from acoustic to jazz to pop. This album is a collection of pleasing tunes from an under-recognized artist who has great musical ability and a love for grooving. Many appearances on a variety of tours around the country give fans the ability to see him live and York can also still be found playing in those clubs up in the northeast where he resides. Although Canada was the first to acknowledge the talent of Matt York, look for the America to catch on soon.