ERIC HIMAN: Dark Horse

Eric Himan

Dark Horse

© 2005 ThumbCrown Records (616822010525)

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"The theme of limitless love, strength and resiliency is matched only by his voice which sounds like honeyed chamomile. He's an indy rocker, a charasmatic one who knows exactly what words to sing to put your heart on fire."- In The Mix

notes

ERIC HIMAN BIOGRAPHY
By Larry Dean Harris

For every decade, there's a guy with a guitar who embodies the spirit, romance and rebellion of youth. From Elvis to Springsteen to Prince to Cobain, these iconic figures have a way of channeling the collective voice of a generation both screaming and quietly pleading to be heard.

While it may be premature to elevate Eric Himan to the Mount Rushmore of pop icons, he's proving that he has the mettle to make the climb.

Himan burst onto the indie music scene at the beginning of this decade, acoustic guitar blazing, soulful baritone wailing. With a voice like Cat Stevens, inked arms that out-sleeve Tommy Lee and a guitar style akin to fellow indie artist Ani DiFranco, he was a young man on a mission.

That mission began in coffee houses around Penn State University, where Himan was a student, and culminated in the 2000 release of his first CD, Eric Himan. The stripped-down, acoustic recording was originally crafted as an audience keepsake, but it became his calling card as the music was shared. And the word was spread.

From the very beginning, Himan broke the mold of the soft-spoken, earnest folk troubadour. His performances were filled with electricity and power, but his lyrics betrayed a vulnerability and sadness that sharply contrasted with his bad boy appearance. The combination proved irresistible to audiences.

Himan slowly began expanding his sphere of influence, touring the region while carrying a full course load at Penn State. As demand for his CD grew, Thumbcrown Records (christened for the crown tattoo on his right thumb) was born.

Extensive touring became a catalyst for extensive writing and experimentation with other musical genres. The folk, rock, blues and even jazz influences of his youth (courtesy of his guitar playing father, who fed him a steady diet of Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Richie Havens and the Beatles) came into play.

The result was I Go On (September 2002), which brought Himan to national attention through magazine coverage and made him a favorite on the NACA circuit. After graduating, Himan hit the road full time, playing colleges, pride events, "anywhere people would listen," he laughs.

Local papers documented his travels, and AAA radio began playing tracks from I Go On. The more Himan toured, the more CDs he sold. The plan was working. So when it came time to record #3, he reassembled his studio team for what would become All For Show.

This indie release sold 1000 copies in its first month and caught the attention of Borders Books, which booked Himan for in-store appearances nationwide. Next came his distinction as a Fender endorsed artist by the legendary guitar maker.

Just recently, Himan was tapped to join industry heavyweights like Christina Aguilera, Melissa Etheridge, Pink and the Dixie Chicks, on "Love Rocks", a 2-CD compilation produced by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. For Himan, it's a harmonic convergence of music, message and audience. And the exposure is sure to generate even greater awareness and interest in his songs.

On all his releases, Himan uses his music to address difficult topics: date rape, the death penalty, family acceptance and, of course, the complexities and pain of relationships: all poignantly told from a first-person perspective.

Now, with his 2005 release, Darkhorse, Himan has crafted a record that shows his growth as a singer/songwriter, enhanced by studio production that truly reflects the caliber of his music.

The eleven tracks offer the same brand of brutal-yet-poetic honesty that has become his trademark, while Himan continues to explore musical genres, aided by a group of top-notch musicians and engineers. Dark Horse is the most expensive record twentysomething Himan has ever made, but it's a gamble that is sure to pay off.

Because no other artist looks OR sounds like Eric Himan: rough trade on the outside, gentle soul of a poet on the inside ad voice of a new generation all around.

reviews

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  • trunk creepers bulked.infection decency precociously allegoric

  • Great, especially if you like Cat Stevens!
    author: Tom Williams

    Saw Eric Himan in Philadelphia when I went to see another artist and was intrigued enough to stick around for his whole set. Wrote to him (through his web site) and asked for recommendations on which are his best CD efforts. This was one of them (the other is the Live CD). Of course, he was RIGHT! This is a fantastic CD with a lot of the songs that you'd here if you went to see him (or have already seen him) in person. I think he sounds a lot like Cat Stevens. Really enjoyed hearing his cover of "Holding Back the Years" by Simply Red. Worth every penny to buy this AND to see him in concert.

  • I loved the CD. I think I must've listened to it about five times after it arriv
    author: Aaron

    I loved the CD. I think I must've listened to it about five times after it arrived in the mail. My favorites are Clyde, In the Brown Fog, and Weave. Awesome CD, Awesome artists, highly recommended.

  • One of the best albums ever!
    author: MIchael J. Barnard

    Eric's style is very unique. Habit/Curse is the perfect lead off for the album. White Horse: really twangy, funny, and phenominal if you get to hear Eric sing it live. Holding Back The Years is one of those remakes that exceeds the original. In The Brown Fog is very soulful and thought provoking.

  • Music you will love.....
    author: Foster

    This CD is great. I love it all. I have listened to it over and over. It never gets old. It is pretty much memorized. You will be making a mistake if you don't buy it. It really is some of the best music I have.

  • Music you will love.....
    author: Foster

    This CD is great. I love it all. I have listened to it over and over. It never gets old. It is pretty much memorized. You will be making a mistake if you don't buy it. It really is some of the best music I have.

  • Fantasric
    author: Abby

    I luv Eric his music is just so calming and relaxing. I cant stop playing it. Im so pleased to have finally got the most perfect CD. The best buy I have had in a while. Thank you

  • Dark Horse is rich and lush without being over produced.
    author: Godwhacker

    "Dark Horse" is his forth release, but is the first of his albums that has a real studio feel to it. It is also his first release to include a cover song, a beautiful rendition of Simply Red's "Holding Back the Years". The rest of Dark Horse is all original material, and what prodigious material it is. While his earlier albums are excellent, they are stripped down productions that rely on Eric's soulful voice and vibrant guitar playing for the backbone of their sound. The production on Dark Horse is rich and lush without being over produced. There are also a greater variety of styles on this album. The country twang of "White Horse" is great. Every time I hear this song, I picture it being played in a conservative western bar with the progressive play on sexuality in the lyrics going right over the heads of the oblivious toe tapping patrons. "Brown Fog" is a tender, heart-rending, soul-searching ballad that has the jazzy feel of a late night barroom. You can almost see the smoke in the air. Needles to say, "until the music stops, I will listen".

  • Fantastic!
    author: Nick F.

    This is a fantastic CD! The songs are relatable and make you think about aspects of your own life. He has a really great voice.

  • Another Great CD
    author: David McCrory

    Awesome CD. Eric once again blows me away. His music is so pure and raw. Eric is a great artist, even if he is a fan of Parker Posey...Ha! P.S. Secreta says she enjoyed the CD as well.

  • Wow!
    author: nick

    Does talent come in a better package than this? I thought that All For Show was a great cd but this one truly tops it! Very talented great music I am never let down or disappointed when I purchase one of Eric's CDs keep up the great work!!!Can't wait for the next

  • Wow!
    author: Ricky

    I love this cd! Each song tells a story anyone could relate too. Yes Eric is very cute but his talent is so beyond that. Buy the cd today!

  • It doesn't get much better than this
    author: Jason

    Dark Horse is a gem! It's raw, moody, exciting and a great product from an amazing artist. If you are familiar with Eric's other CD's you will be impressed and astonished at the growth of his storytelling and the visceral power of his voice. This CD is chock full of a variety of musical styles that Eric manipulates to make a sound that is distinctively his own. Dark Horse is addictive and you will have problems listening to any other music for weeks!

  • A++
    author: Brian

    This is an Awsome CD. I saw Eric preform at Cleveland Pride. I ordered his CD, and have been listening to this CD in my car exclusivly since I got it. I keep "discovering" songs on the CD that become my favs for the week, then I'll "discover" another one. This CD is great!!

  • Eric Himan is a winner!
    author: Kevin

    Eric Himan's Dark Horse album is among my treasured collection of singer-songwriter albums. He is right up there with my other favorite singer-songwriters like Fiona Apple, Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell, PJ Harvey, Aimee Mann, and Rufus Wainwright. From the bouncy and catchy 2nd track Have Me to the longing and convincing cover of Holding Back The Years, this cd is well worth the buy! Other favorites include the midtempo Aimlessness, the beautiful ballad for us lost, searching souls, Stranded, another midtempo track, Throw Away The Past, and the endearing ballad In The Brown Fog. Throughout this cd and the other brilliant ones in his collection, Himan's yearning, soul-searching voice conjures up comparisons to another great singer-songwriter, Tracy Chapman. If you appreciate great music, then give this cd and Eric Himan a try, I promise you won't be disappointed!

  • good music
    author: David

    I enjoyed this cd. The music is real. It's not some packaged sound. It's refreshing to listen to someone who is in touch with thier experiences in life.

  • FABulous
    author: Patrick R

    I'm impressed with each of Eric's CDs and this newer album is no exception. You can hear the evolution of his music and how he has grown over the years. I definitely recommend this CD and artist.

  • Perfect
    author: William S.

    This album is on my perfect list. Which I can tell you is very sparse in numbers. I loved every song on the first listen through. Amazing artist! Hot as well!

  • author: Bill

    Once again Eric has done it...this new album(oops...cd) was bought with out having heard any of the tracks. He is just a pleasure to listen to, it was my great fortune to see him when he was playing in albany ny and to get to meet him. A fantastic looking man with a voice of gold

  • I think Eric and I have dated the same guys
    author: Walter

    Eric is amazing! Each song is so different from the next and they all blend perfectly. His passion and voice are refreshing. He's really cute too!

  • I think Eric and I have dated the same guys
    author: Walter

    Eric is amazing! Each song is so different from the next and they all blend perfectly. His passion and voice are refreshing. He's really cute too!

  • The New CD is outstanding!!!
    author: Gary

    The New CD really is outstanding! Defining, Sexy and a bit more mature. Dark horse rocks!

  • eric never lets u down!!!!!
    author: eddy

    this album is amazing. musically its different from his others (still great) but lyrically its as good if not better. everyone should BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!

  • Love it!
    author: Joshua

    I will keep it short and simple, "LOVE IT...IT WON'T BE REMOVED FROM MY CD PLAYER FOR MONTHS!"

  • His growth is amazing!
    author: David in DC

    Eric's music continues to grow by leaps and bounds. His talent really shines through on this album, and leaves you anxiously waiting for the next.

  • author: Danielle H.

    Excellent Album...Well worth the wait after his brilliant talents blew us out of the water on 'All For Show.' Dark Horse was a beautiful mixture of everything...and equally powerful in its own right. I especially liked 'Have Me' and 'In The Brown Fog,' incredible songs both with the music and lyrically. Can't stop listening to this full-fledged work of art! I recommend this Cd to anyone who can appreciate good music...this CD goes above and beyond.

  • Winning bet!
    author: Alex Tan

    Eric is one of those few artists whose albums I will pick up without hearing any songs. I trust his talent that much. And Dark Horse does NOT disappoint! From the opening track "Habit/Cure" to the closing track "In the brown fog" Eric takes us on a deep emotional ride. And with covers, most artists don't capture the spirit of the song. Not so with Eric's rendition of "Holding back the years" that captures the longing and ache that Mick Hucknall originated. Dark Horse is one horse worth betting on!

  • Eric is AMAZING and just keeps getting BETTER!
    author: Jenn M.

    This CD is his best effort yet! What a great combination of moods and feels on this CD. Upbeat pop, a little country feel, downright bluesy... it has it all. Like his other CD's his lyrics can reach anyone who listens. GET YOURS NOW!

  • author: Tom

    Eric continues to amaze me with his incredible talents. His voice is strong,raw and soulful. His guitar playing is nothing short of amazing. If that weren't enough, his piano playing is haunting and mesmerizing. Hard to pick only one favorite song, so I'll pick two- Have me and Clyde! Dark Horse was worth the wait! Great job, Eric!

  • Better and better
    author: Michaelman

    Eris Himan's first three CD's showed a lot of growth for an artist that started out wanting to be Ani DiFranco. Well with his fourth release Eric has finally hit the nail on the head. Eric has found a way to mere his diverse style in a way few artists could. From the opening song "HABIT/CURSE" Eric shows that this Cd is not any repeat of his past. I cant pick ONE favorite one here though he does touch folk, rock, country, jazz and everything in between. Though my favorite is "Throw Away The Past' it is nice to see him branch out in songs like "Have Me" and "Clyde" A Def must have for any music lovers collection....

  • feels like one of those perfect debuts
    author: james

    it's an amazing follow-up to 'all for show' and and more amazing because it's hard to believe this is a fourth album - it's so fresh - it's so vibrant. there seems to have a been a pretty conscious push toward more marketable/pop material and to really push eric's envelope as far as the diversity of the record - both decisions which pay off for the listener from the top 40 ready 'have me' to the exquisite rendition of 'holding back the years' to piano balladeering on 'listen' and 'clyde' that rivals tori at hear Little Earthquakes best. and i don't think there's a man anywhere right now who's voice comes close to eric's for clarity and strength and conviction on this record.

  • Keeps getting better and better
    author: Gina G.

    There are only a handful of singers that I can think of that put out cds where I never, ever have to skip songs I don't like simply because those songs don't exist. Eric is one of those artists. On this, his fourth cd, Eric expands on his already uniquely diverse sound with crisp rock tunes, beautiful piano songs and even some country-alt. He also does a wonderful cover of "Holding Back the Years" that rivals the original! If you haven't tried Eric Himan's music out yet, then THIS is the cd to start with. I challenge anyone to hear "Habit/Curse" or "Listen" and not see a piece of themselves in the lyrics. It's an amazing work of art in every respect. :-)

  • Impressive Fourth Album
    author: Q Media Reviews- Shawn Revelle

    Dark Horse, the impressive fourth album from out Indie Rocker Eric Himan, is now available from Thumb Crown Records. A dynamic performer able to pull off hard-edged anthems (“Have Me”) as easily as narrative ballads (“Clyde”) Himan’s musical influences are as varied as his own compositions. The Gospel-inspired “Listen” flows surprisingly well with the Country flair given the toe-tapping “White Horse” and down-tempo, Waltz-timed “Stranded.” With one exception, a faithful cover of Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years,” all of the songs heard on Dark Horse are Eric Himan originals, including the previously unreleased bonus track “Weave” – recorded for his first demo – which ends the album in an amplified wail only hinted at in the aggressive come-on “Have Me.” From start to finish his songs remain strong even at their most intimate (“In the Brown Fog”) when offering captivating solo performances with only his voice and guitar. he offers a captivating solo rendition of “In the Brown Fog.”

  • The Perfect Summer CD
    author: Larry Dean Harris

    "Dark Horse" may well be the perfect soundtrack for summer. It's the kind of CD that makes you want to put the top down, turn up the stereo, and head for the beach. Not that this is Brian Wilson's "Smile" by any means. It's more like Eric Himan's "Snarl." But what an engaging snarl it is, thanks to Himan's good-looking bad-boy façade and that Cat Stevens-as-a-rocker voice that betrays just a tad of "yes ma'am, I'm from South Carolina" drawl when he softens. This is Himan's fourth album, and it manages to walk that fine line between consistency (to keep his fans happy) and growth as an artist (to attract new ones). Himan fits a nice niche in pop music: He's just raw enough in style to maintain his indie/outsider status, but increasingly polished in his singing, songwriting, and production values. Every Himan album is a roller coaster of emotional and musical highs and lows, and "Dark Horse" is no exception, as Himan often sings of Mr. Wrong, but never in the same way twice. The CD opens with him singing, "When you ran out of things to do/I finally heard from you" on the acoustic, chains-of-love rocker "Habit/Curse." This leads to a scorching, electric-guitar driven invitation to love ("Have Me"), which segues into a moody piano dirge about heartache ("Clyde"). But perhaps the most poignant moment on "Dark Horse" is Himan's only cover: Simply Red's "Holding Back the Years," which--in his skillful hands and with simple production--breathes new life into the hauntingly beautiful classic. This song, along with so many others, will make people sit up, take notice, and ask, "Who is this?" While the challenge for Himan will be getting himself heard, "Dark Horse" is testament to why he should be.

  • Let us know what you think!
    author: ThumbCrown Records

    We are thrilled to be bringing you Dark Horse, the 4th release from Eric Himan. We are anxiously awaiting you feedback, so please don't be shy in letting us know what you think! Enjoy!

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