PAUL HYDE
The Big Book Of Sad Songs Vol.1 (Bongo Beat)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Bob Rocks, Paul Hydes. While the Payolas are a distant memory ("Eyes of a Stranger"? didn't think so), Bob's been polishing gold records as choice producer of big name arena bands, and Paul, well, we finally hear from Paul. Barely. These may be sad songs, but what they are chiefly is quiet. I haven't shed a tear yet, but I have cranked the volume, several times. Worth it to decipher lines that stick (always a good sign) like: "of all the things I've lost this year / I miss my mind the most." Clever stuff, and quite listenable. The recently passed bill, ensuring that all aging Canadian punks must turn into Valdy, seems to be in full effect.

© 2002 - John Sekerka