The very title Texas Piano Man seems to be a statement of purpose, particularly for a singer/songwriter like Robert Ellis, who initially carved out a reputation as a po-faced guitar slinger. Faint echoes of that version of Robert Ellis can be heard in places on Texas Piano Man, but his fourth album is a bold expansion of his musical palette, placing Ellis on an axis that runs through Harry Nilsson and Ben Folds. It's a startling shift for the singer/songwriter, since Ellis not only embraces their rich melodicism but their ...
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The very title Texas Piano Man seems to be a statement of purpose, particularly for a singer/songwriter like Robert Ellis, who initially carved out a reputation as a po-faced guitar slinger. Faint echoes of that version of Robert Ellis can be heard in places on Texas Piano Man, but his fourth album is a bold expansion of his musical palette, placing Ellis on an axis that runs through Harry Nilsson and Ben Folds. It's a startling shift for the singer/songwriter, since Ellis not only embraces their rich melodicism but their wicked sense of humor as well. Opening his album with a ballad called "Fucking Crazy" makes that much clear, but Texas Piano Man is filled with songs that are livelier and funnier, including the pair of "Nobody Smokes Anymore" (with its punch line "guess I'll be the only one that looks good in pictures") and "Passive Aggressive." Placed toward the beginning of the album, this duo kicks Texas Piano Man into momentum and threatens to overshadow its quieter moments, yet those are also finely etched: "Father" hides its melancholy in a soft veneer, and the plea of "Let Me In" is subtly insistent. Still, much of the kick of Texas Piano Man lies in its playfulness, a quality apparent in the wry deflection of "He Made Me Do It," the yacht rock shimmer of "Aren't We Supposed to Be in Love," and the barroom swing of "Topo Chico," an ode to Texas' favorite carbonated beverage that's not Lone Star. Ellis may have suggested this level of melodic songcraft on his previous albums, but he never hinted at this wit, and his dexterous combination of craft and humor makes Texas Piano Man a rich, resonant good time. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Ellis; Ellis/Fitchuk/Tashi; Ellis/Ryan. Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
