BEN ARTHUR
Edible Darling (Bardic)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Ben Arthur has a knack for folk-flavored pop eclecticism that lends itself to music where how it sounds often overwhelms what it says, but it's worth listening to on that deeper level that reveals the message beneath the melody. That message will almost inevitably have a twist that will inspire yet another replay, which will sound so good you'll play it again, and, well, this is one of those albums that can take up a lot of your time, and leave you feeling it was all well spent.

Whether it's a classic heartbreak lyric that reveals a solemn sense of humor, or a catchy piece of jangle pop about the decomposing corpse in the corner, each tune operates on multiple levels, and on each Arthur reveals multiple talents. The disc is a keeper, and Arthur's a comer.

Track List:

Mary Ann * Tonight * Broken-Hearted Smile * End Of The Day * Mercy * Instrumental #3 * Keep Me Around * Edible Darling * Bloomed * Sight Of Your Tears * Wake * Jesus On My Knees

© 2004 - Shaun Dale