Darin Murphy
Haunted Gardenias
© 2001 15 Minute Music, ASCAP (678277028524)
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Darin delivers everything one looks for in an alt pop record - hooks, aggression, subtlety, passion, persona. Lennon and Nilsson are common references, but it goes far deeper and comes up original.
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Austin's Darin Murphy has drawn praise from critics, record sellers and curious listeners in North America and Europe for his thoughtful lyricism, melodic instincts and catchy vibe. Formerly known as simply "Darin", Murphy made a dent internationally in 2000 with his self-performed debut, Solitarium, particularly in the UK, enjoying favorable reviews in Mojo and Q. Musical comparisons cover a wide range, from Robyn Hitchcock and David Bowie to Aimee Mann and Son Volt, but Murphy's roots clearly lie somewhere in London in the 1960's. His uncanny Lennonesque vocals recently landed him a job on Broadway in the new musical LENNON, opening spring 2005.
In the fall of 2000, Murphy teamed up with Swedish engineer/producer Lars Goransson (The Cardigans, Cotton Mather) and a year later released Haunted Gardenias. With it came new fans, songwriting awards and regular airplay on Adult Alternative radio. The anthemic "Boxing Day", a winner in the 2002 International Songwriting Competition, is regarded by most as the album's strongest track. On the other hand, others favor the exotic rocker "Metro B". The guitar-saturated fury of "Flat" and "Ginger Granite" is contrasted with the percussive hypnosis of "Gina Gardenia". Ballads such as "Masterpiece", "Turning Into You" and "The Heavens Cried For You" are emotional catharses for some, while "Blackberry Plain " and "Zero G" add a healthy dose of playfulness. As with his first record, Murphy handles most of the instruments and vocals on Haunted Gardenias.
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This album sounds like Todd Rundgren & John Lennon.Good!
author: pistonPerfect!
author: A PerryYes, perfect. This is a perfect pop album. And I mean that in a good way. "Blackberry Plain" and "Masterpiece" are my personal favorites, but every song shines and every song sticks. Great!
Brilliant!
author: Johnny V.One of my favotites! Darin is a master craftsman! His songs always have great melodic and lyrical quality. The first time I heard "Boxing Day" on this record, I listened to it nearly 10 times in a row! I love it!
- author: CD Baby
An album that made me darn near speechless for at least an hour afterwards. In the aural genetics and musical lineage that has followed the Beatles- and has not always been ultimately "inspired," with a kind of shellacked gloss- comes an album that harnesses the jangle, the substance and the personality that makes high quality "Beatles pop" so luscious without being carbon-copied and while adding in its own, unique incarnation of musical vision. A real ride for the Elvis Costello fan as well, this is one you don't want to click past without hearing first. Let your ears be your guide, my friends.
in a word: HOOKS
author: Bruce Lomet (CHINASKI)Darin has crafted the consummate "hooks" album. Song after song crackles with the "pop" intensity and musical vocabulary of the rock greats of years past. If you're looking for that "special something" that's missing from today's rock - "Haunted Gardenias" has what you're looking for.