Terry Kitchen -The Post-American Century

Oh this is fine pickin' and singin'. The homespunny opening number, “So Much More to Home” is a joyful and yearning song that opens the album with delicate harmonies by Mara Levine. “Sequel” seems like the next chapter of “America” by Simon and Garfunkel. It contains the great line: “We’ve lived our lives with the wind at our backs/ Blown free from the Summer of Love to the winter of AIDS/HIV/ Now nothing’s free, feels like we’re refugees in this post-American century.”

The subject matter of “Perelli’s Barber Shop” probably resonates with many young men: “Peeking at the Playboys at Perellis’ Barber Shop.” Who knew?

“Tall Against the Wave” is a tribute to a Civil War battle. It impresses like an eye-witness account. “Stay Forever” is the imploring heart of the lover reluctant to say goodbye to the dying beloved. Not an easy song to write I'm sure. “Rock of Ages” is an homage to a welcoming church who welcomes and heals a lost soul. “Mommy Come Quick” was written when Terry saw the parallels between his mother's childlike behavior with Alzheimer's, and his childhood memories. A sweet tribute. Terry has a gentle tenor voice and delivers each song with an easy style.