Sitting on the Wind

• Track Listing

With a warm, clear production care of Helen Avakian and Scott Petito, these songs come to life through the speakers. What really jumped out at me was the musicianship. Muse's Muse Buckley's debut effort is a sincere set of acoustic folk rock, elevated by mature arrangements and the self-professed late bloomer's weathered vocals. Creative Loafing 'It's About Time' is a perfect mix of strumming softness and lyrical attitude. Combining an approach that's similar to Paul Simon and James Taylor, each track is intrinsically simple--yet as you listen further, each element of the composition becomes clearer, showing a complexity of the arrangements brought by his supporting cast of musicians. Throughout the album, Buckley has hints of the rusty growl of Springsteen, the storytelling abilities of Eric Clapton and the freshness that brings 'It's About Time' full circle. Combining classic elements, with a sense of sweetness and vulnerability, Bud Buckley has made an album that will surely last through time. Hudson Valley News 'It's About Time' is a perfect mix of strumming softness and lyrical attitude. Combining an approach that's similar to Paul Simon and James Taylor, each track is intrinsically simple--yet as you listen further, each element of the composition becomes clearer, showing a complexity of the arrangements brought by his supporting cast of musicians. Throughout the album, Buckley has hints of the rusty growl of Springsteen, the storytelling abilities of Eric Clapton and the freshness that brings 'It's About Time' full circle. Combining classic elements, with a sense of sweetness and vulnerability, Bud Buckley has made an album that will surely last through time. Hit Sessions The first thing that caught my attention is Bud Buckley sounds like Bob Dylan. I don't necessarily mean his musical style; Bud's music has an air all it's own. What I meant more was, his voice. It's light and comforting, trailing above the guitar chords. His sound carries me away to warm summer afternoons spent lazing in the grass. His voice is smooth and soothing. I really enjoy it when an artist takes the time and effort to share the lyrics to their songs on the inside sleeve of the CD covers. I love the freedom to follow along as I listen to the songs for the first time. As a multitasker, this fulfills my every desire when it comes to checking out new tunes. I can concentrate more on the feel of the music if I can simply read the words in front of me rather than try to strain to listen to them; not that it's necessary to strain to identify the words Bud Buckley is singing--he's crisp and clear throughout the entire CD. Beneath the song titles, before the lyrics begin, there lies a short description, or explanation if you will, of the song and it's inspiration. I find that intriguing because I get a little insight into the artist and where their head was when any particular song began to take shape. I have never noticed this personal touch before, but it certainly keeps me wishing every artist would do the same. Then again, Bud Buckley is a very personable kind of guy. I have to admit; the cover photo of this album threw me just a tad. Most musicians have huge imageryof themselves on the front cover, or their band's logo surrounded by lewd images or words. Bud showcases a family of Bonobo apes. Bud BuckleyBud took the time to share some history on the Bonobo with me during the interview. Bonobos are loving apes that never fight for food; they actually give love for it. Rather fitting for the front image when you think about it, but it isn't something you would expect! Befitting of his humility, Bud's own self portrait resides quietly on the backside of the CD awaiting your gaze to reach it's hiding place. It's not flashy. Beautiful blondes do not surround him; it is just Bud and his guitar. Simple. Neat. Fitting. On his website, BudBuckley.com, he speaks of his track 'Sister Mary Confusing' quite a bit, while centering on the fact that it has evolved from his experiences growing up in Catholic schools. I see how 'Sister Mary Confusing' could actually be an analogy for a lot of life's little kickers. While it's a good song, a catchy tune, it wasn't my favorite on the CD. 'First Time Home' is one of my personal favorites. The song evokes a feeling that is restful and heart warming. Toss in the lyrics and it all but makes you cry--I have to admit I got a little teary eyed. Bud has a way of bringing you 'into' his songs with him. You feel the music within your soul as the lyrics carry you off into memories of your own. He truly has a way of touching you. Track number 3 on 'Feel My Love' is 'Windswept Girl'. This song grabbed my attention from the start of it with it's melodic rhythms and catchy beats. This is the kind of song where a girl can close her eyes and picture herself as the main character within. I had been listening to this track over and over when my 12-year-old daughter caught a few bars from the other room and demanded to take the CD into her room for further examination! I did manage to pry it from her CD player later that evening to finish my review. Ageless, timeless, and without generational bias, Bud Buckley and his music reach out and grab everyone everywhere. The theme that seemed to carry through the entirety of the CD was the melodic riffs that seem to drift effortlessly in the background. The foreground beats seem strong and as if they were the structure of the music. Delightfully peeking out from behind are background melodies that carry their own weight almost in spite of the foreground sounds. The creativity that goes into making each song unique and original shines through 'Feel My Love.' Kudos to Bud for stepping out of the box, rather than following the crowd of what some might consider 'cool' and 'hip' within the main stream, Bud takes his music by the reigns and puts it into perspective for all of us. 'Feel My Love' has now been confiscated by my teenaged daughter, but I am sure that she will allow me to borrow it from time to time in order to lose myself within Bud's smooth vocals and addicting guitar riffs. I recommend this musical entree to all. Beatz Hall of Famer.