One of the main motivations pushing Caboom-Sass.com forward is wholehearted, influential music. So, what better way to show that than by reviewing a phenomenal musician's brand new album?
Last year, I wrote about
my stumble upon Ted Hu for a music website. It was truly delightful to hear from him last week with news of his most recent debut,
Path To War. I am humbled and pleased to work with him again, as he is not only an absolutely incredible, talented artist, but also a wholehearted, down-to-earth person.
Upon receiving the anticipated package (above) in the mail this afternoon, I removed Elliott Smith's
From A Basement on the Hill, and inserted Ted Hu's brand new,
Path To War. With a mug of coffee at my side, notebook in my lap, and ink pen in hand, I pressed play. Without further ado...
I restarted the "Horseman Prelude" for the third time, taken aback by the exquisite beauty of the instrumental introduction to this album. It begins with a combination that includes the piano, which is where Ted's passion for music started, courtesy of lessons from his parents during his childhood. His heritage and personal history are evident as the album begins. Stunned by the raw magnificence of his talent, I read the message on the inner sleeve (below) where Ted gives thanks to all who made Path To War possible.
"As always, my team at Zippah really made the record. Without Brian and Annie, I would only have bare bones," Ted said. So grateful, he is! However, take a few moments to listen to any of Ted's music, and you'll be amazed at the power and boldness of his rare, self-titled, 'bare bones' of music. They are flawless. Instrumentally, vocally, melodically, and lyrically fluid with grace and a magnetic force that urges you to truly listen as he sings. It's refreshing.
"La Danse" follows the "Horseman Prelude," as I press play for a second round. The words in this track bring it to life with a message so universally empathetic. With lines like, "I need you in this life," and, "I will blame you, fight or flight," I think every listener will relate. It personally sent chills straight down my spine. "I can't give you all that; still I need you one last night."
The songs of this album contain a mix of bilingual lyrics. They fuse so effortlessly as the universal language that is music, as stated by 19th century American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
"Anchored." The third track of the album is quite possibly my favorite song of them all. It's hauntingly honest and heartbreakingly gorgeous, with lyrics like, "I'm the one that's left here, bound and tied."
No song on Path To War sounds too similar to the previous or following. Each uniquely stands strong in its own story. All the while, they're clearly equipped with Hu's signature artistry, melodic voice, and succinct style, keeping the cohesion of the album intact. One word comes to mind: Brilliant.
Track four is titled, "The Engineer." This one begins with a fresh, seemingly lighthearted melody, which quickly turns a bit more... complex. With lines like, "I'm looking like I should have said sorry," and then, "I will just watch your body burn just like my brothers..." and "You're lookin' like you should've loved me; you're lookin' like you should've known me." Instrumental fireworks grace this number with such a beautiful combination of sounds; quite the compelling ear candy for any and all who listen; I am certain of that.
"Follow me over the edge until you hear your bones split against the rock," he sings in the fifth track called, "Man." This song is strategically dark, incredibly profound, and undeniably moving. The sincerity in his storytelling through music is among the best I've encountered. Eloquence meets honesty with a mix of pain and sensitivity in the best way. "We have done this all before, years ago..." he sings.
Track six is titled, "Orange Revolver," as it begins sweetly with the line, "Little clementine, little love of mine, was I all you hoped I'd be?" The lullaby-esque beginning twists harmonically into a heartfelt tale; impeccable. "Some fruit is rotten from within," and "I will never be an honest man; I am far too old to begin again," are lyrics sure to stir up the emotions of listeners.
"Fantasie in Gm" is the seventh song. It starts with, "Dress me up in lace..." and later goes on to reveal, "To sing is just to heal; like a dream, a fantasy, and when I wake..." This track is full of powerful imagery and the support of strong instrumentality, an eloquent combination.
Track eight, "American Perfume," reminded me of Emilie Autumn with the lines, "I am the prettiest one," and "Angels envy me..." at the beginning. It then goes on, deeper, into a message that explains, "...the only two things that sustain the nation; that's the youth and its beauty, so don't forget the only way to get rid of temptation..." Again with the haunting honesty.
As the album nears its end, the ninth song, "Like Smoke" beautifully describes how powerful simply believing (whatever we choose to) can be. The lyrics share, "If you believe in those stars, then they'll believe in you. If you believe in those demons..." He later says, "Do or don't; it doesn't matter to me; but don't come here crying..."
The clever wit, almost wicked, is alarming in the most awesome way in the 10th and 11th songs titled, "Appetite" and "Dinner." The first one includes a snarl, "I'll show them my teeth, Dear," with tempting lines like, "Shock me, Baby, shock me," and "Stun me, Baby, stun me." The next song starts with a sweet, "I made a lovely dinner for ya, boo; eat it fast before it gets cold." A few lines into the song, the fading sweetness changes to, "I've got plans... to kill you."
The final track, "American Lullaby," is the whole world's anthem in the most painfully beautiful, truthful fashion. It is absolutely phenomenal, and while I named "Anchored" my favorite song of the album, this one definitely gives it a run for its money. "I can hear this lullaby from here to Paris," it starts off. "They feed us cures for diseases we don't have, but we gobble up their pills like we take Communion," he sings, so honestly that it steals my breath for a second as I let the song sink in. "There are some things that we all think we know. We can be so sure; we can be so wrong..."
This album, undoubtedly, is one that I will be playing on repeat over and over again. It's been awhile since I've felt so connected to music, to the authentic production of the instrumentality ever so interconnected and interwoven with powerful lyrics. I am astounded by the beauty, grace, and truth revealed in each song. Now, I must say, coming from an artist as talented as I know Ted Hu to be, I expected to be stunned. However, nothing could have prepared me for just how much I was, in the best way.
To join me in owning a copy of this album, which I highly recommend doing, please visit
Itunes,
CD Baby, or connect with Hu via
Facebook. Prepare yourself to be floored by incredible music. Enjoy!
X0.Brittney
