STEVE KILPATRICK
Westside Crop Circles (self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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It's hard to tell you about this one. Steve Kilpatrick has created one of the few self-released albums truly deserving of the designation "masterpiece." Primarily a guitarist, Kilpatrick has devoted years to cranking out R&B covers on the "animal club" circuit, playing some of the finest Elks, Eagles, Moose, etc. halls in the greater Lansing, MI area. All the while, he's been writing and recording totally original, expertly crafted music that he refuses to play out, claiming that he's "incapable and uninterested" in playing solo or fronting his own band.

Well, Steve, I don't know much about your interests - except that judging by the songs you write they're expansive and, ummm, unusual - but your capabilities obviously exceed your judgement. Westside Crop Circles is probably the only album I've ever heard that reminds me of both Brian Wilson and William Burroughs, and I mean that in the best possible way. The title is appropriate, because just when you think there's something conventional going on here, Kilpatrick tosses in something that makes you wonder "How did that get here?" And it works every time.

Kilpatrick sings and plays everything on the album, which is usually an indication of unwarranted musical conceit. Not this time. Every element fits every track perfectly, and his approach is so unique that any additional presence would have seemed like an alien intrusion. This disc originally appeared too early to make my "Best Albums Of 2002" list, but it's unquestionably the best indie self-release I've heard for the first time this year. You can hear it, too, by getting ahold of Steve Kilpatrick at expeditiousproductions@yahoo.com. He's nearly recouped production costs, so he might be ready to cut you a deal, but whatever the price, this is one you gotta hear.

Track List:

Brothers-In-Law * Bruno * Bigplan * Multi-Generational * Adjustments * Conjugal Visit * Worried Man * Smell That Rainbow * Me and Oprah, My Pajamas & The Pain * Rough & Tough * Me & The Bank * Politics * The Lonely Tonight

© 2002 - Shaun Dale