listening room | Eacret & Ledeboer - Offspring (2004)
by: Matthew Hundley
The duo of Eacret & Ledeboer have released their thematic CD “Offspring” with an album songs on parenthood. A number of talented local musicians joined them to make this CD happen.
Lyrically there are some poignant pieces present, however looming technical issues with this CD tend to detract from the message.
Here’s how the tracks lay out.
When Al Eacret first played the song “What I Do” for me in their studio, I couldn’t help but draw the John Lennon comparison. For Lennon fans you’ll quickly hear the similarities with “Woman” off Double Fantasy. The guitar solo from Scot Schwestka is very in style – very George Harrison-esque. I like the reggae break later in the tune.
”Two Heartbeats” is more of a traditional blues track with layers of keyboards (courtesy of Jim Longnecker), sax (provided by Rachel Price) and lead guitar lines from Dave Malam. Al’s voice comes through strong in a tenured Paul McCartney sort of way.
Caroline’s first performance on the CD is “State of Grace.” Her delivery is akin to Suzanne Vega. While Jim Longneckers keyboard arrangements are nice, they detract a bit from Caroline’s performance. I do like the Rundgren-esque bridge thrown in the middle. The song ends leaving me wanting to hear more music in this vein. But instead…
The blues shuffle “She’s my Girl.” The production is nice on this song. The harmonica is a great touch and Dave Malam throws in enough “tasty licks” to make the song fun. Al’s Beatles influence shine through again in a certain Paul McCartney palor particularly with the note-for-note McCartney vocal trill at the end.
”Here With Me Tonight” is another Eacret tune with Caroline sitting in on vocals. For me it sounds like Caroline is singing as Al. The vocal seems forced. It’s a lilting ballad that probably would have been stronger with Al’s voice.
”Oh Willa” brings on a Clapton-laced blues ballad. The organ fails to blend in with the rest of the band in the mix and tends to detract from the vocal at times. The backing vocals are nice (which is true of all tracks so far).
”Your Father’s House” opens with some great dobro lines from Roger Miller. Caroline’s voice is right for this track - although a bit “over-effected” at times (too much reverb and compression) – but overall a very nice song
Al returns with ”Strawberry Girl” which offers a richly layered production. Scot Schwestka is back to offer some riffs. This is probably one of the better mixes on the album. The instruments seem to be evenly keeled and blended.
”Willemijn” is a bit more upbeat. It’s catchy. The mix is also one of the better on the release. The repeating “Willa Willa’s” offer a nice bed for the guitars and fun.
The CD closes with “Your Only Cup.” The lyrical delivery is distinct and clear. Caroline’s delivery makes you listen to the lyrics. The performance is almost too Suzanne Vega. Al’s vocal interjections serve more as an annoyance in this piece – forcing the listener to disengage with Carolines vocal. I’d like to here this as just vocal and acoustic guitar – no strings, no additional vocals.
There’s a bit of a family jam that kicks in at the end. This is fun and in step with the theme.
Overall. The CD sticks with the theme. Lyrically it’s poetry about children and parenting and love. These themes get lost at times in the production. The blend between Caroline’s Suzanne Vega-esque poetry and Al’s bluesy Beatles borrowings isn’t even - might even be mismatched.
I wouldn’t mind a bit more even mix between the two - or a split down the middle - 6 Al songs, 6 Caroline songs (on vinyl you'd each get a side).
The guest musicians on this release help keep things interesting. The pacing of the album drags a bit and would be better if there were a greater diversity of upbeats, blues and ballads.
Posted: May 03, 2004  
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