CHET DELCAMPO
The Fountain (Record Cellar)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Based, if not rooted, in Philadelphia, Chet Delcampo draws inspiration from the plaintive pop of Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach and Elliott Smith for this collection of gentle, personal songs. Though a few tracks include guest artists, only one ("Story") features an actual band made up of members of the Pixies, the Friends of Dean Martinez and Sugarplastic. He brought aboard co-producers for three cuts and Kid Congo Powers gets solo production credit for "Cremona." For the most part, though, Delcampo writes, plays, sings and produces it all.

His dominant presence may have been the best way to create the pensive, personal document he had in mind, but it may not always serve the songs as well as it might. Sometimes an extra set of ears or hands brings something out of a song that might not be apparent to the creator. In this case, there's a certain amount of punch missing, an element that's more present in the collaborative cuts which, to my ear, are often the strongest.

Still, there's considerable craft here, and there's considerable promise. If he can put a little more trust in his colleagues, Chet Delcampo could soon become a familiar figure in contemporary pop, and we can use some more with his skill and sensitivity.

Track List:

Pine Trees * A Chance Of Use * Coffee With Tom T. Hall * Story * Aglow * Cremona * Argentina (Comari) * By The River * Train Station * So High, So Cold (for Fred Myrow) * To Sleep

© 2000 - Shaun Dale