Christopher Dale

Christopher Dale is a locally based artist whose forte is creating music that immediately catches the ear and lingers in the mind. This talent has garnered him success as a jingle writer for a number of companies, and it has also served him well in his more purely artistic endeavors. Dale's third solo CD, Songs I Know the Words To, is a smorgasbord for the power pop lover. This almost purely acoustic production is packed to the brim with melodic hooks, memorable melodies, and catchy rhythms that allow him to deliver his whimsical lyrics. His voice and persona are instantly likeable and leave a lasting impression. He keeps things generally lighthearted, though there are layers of emotion and meaning in most of the songs. It sounds as if the songs were initially written for acoustic guitar and voice, and they would work just fine if performed that simply. Nevertheless, Dale recruited some top local musicians to flesh out the arrangements and the result is a powerful and varied mix that sounds fresh from start to finish. Mandolin, world percussion, ukulele, piano, organ, and even a string arrangement make appearances at various points, giving this album a compelling sonic depth. Expertly arranged vocal harmonies are the icing on the cake, giving the music the final edge it needs to put smiles on faces. The album opener is "Hilary," a bouncy Brit-pop styled tune that takes its cue from early Beatles and Monkees hits. From this point on, listeners are on notice that they are about to be treated to some really catchy songwriting. The rest of the album does not disappoint. The mandolin fills that run throughout "Addicted" create a distinctly REM flavor, helped along by Dale's Michael Stipe-like vocal delivery on this song. One particularly memorable number is "Don't Say Happy Birthday," a humorous reflection on the aging process. Its sardonic lyrics, set to such peppy and energetic music, tell a tale that is all to familiar to most of us. Things get introspective and melancholy with "Oh No," a plaintive ballad in waltz time whose sincere plea for forgiveness is very affecting. A huge "Mrs. Robinson" style intro heralds the arrival of "I Don't Know," which easily slips into a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young-influenced rave up. The massive wall of acoustic guitars and the vocal harmonies make such a comparison inevitable, and it's a very effective homage. As has often been said, they just don't make music like this anymore! After a couple more excellent tunes, the upbeat "New Jersey" and the somber "When You Go," Dale wraps things up with a stripped-down ukulele-driven cover of the Ramones' classic "I Wanna Be Sedated." It's a cute punctuation mark for a collection of excellent songs impeccably performed and superbly recorded.