Aural Fixations

RODDY HART
Home Tapes
(Odd Art/Adorno)
One of the things I love the best about this whole rock critic gig is that it allows me to hear artists I would probably never have come in contact with otherwise. Case in point: Roddy Hart. The Scottish singer/songwriter opened for his countrymen the Trashcan Sinatras on the band's recent tour and happened to be selling copies of his CD at the gigs. Had he not been tapped for this tour, I'd have never heard the wonderful Home Tapes. Recorded entirely alone (barring a guest drummer on "Every Passing Moment"), Home Tapes is an almost impossibly strong debut album from such a young musician. It's introspective, yes, overtly romantic in spots, but Hart isn't a self-absorbed, starry-eyed fool. He pierces the veil of lace and flowers without succumbing to solipsistic gloom, as unabashed at proclaiming "She is All I Need" as he is in admitting his own deception in "Big Fake Heartache." He recognizes the virtues of optimism in "NoFeelingLikeToday," but tempers it with a realistic look at his own maturing vision in "The Secret." Hart is obviously in love with language, which leads to occasional overwrought lines or simple wordiness, but he's got an ambition so many of his peers—hell, many of his elders—lack. Of course, all this verbiage would mean little if it was wrapped in a dry, plastic package. But this is where Hart reveals his true genius. Each track boast painstakingly crafted arrangements of acoustic guitars, piano and especially percussion, with perfectly placed accents of harmonica, electric guitar and even saxophone. He's also an excellent singer and a fabulous melodicist; the tunes of "Flames," "I Go Blind" and "Every Passing Moment" will have you singing along in no time. Though seemingly a folk singer on the surface, Hart is closer to the intricate pop craftsmanship of artists like Jason Falkner or Stew, setting the human comedy to irresistible hooks. Give this kid a budget and a coterie of studio musicians at his command and he'll give you a pop masterpiece. Though that route might deny the warmth and intimacy of Home Tapes, which stands magnificently well as is. Keep an ear on Roddy Hart—he's already accomplished great things and I, for one, can't wait to hear what's next. Michael Toland [buy it]