RICHARD MCGRAW: Her Sacred Status, My Militant Needs

Richard McGraw

Her Sacred Status, My Militant Needs

© 2001 Richard McGraw (747014430828)

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Trained in the Lyrical School of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan; If you like Elliott Smith, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Neil Young; Belle and Sebastian; John Cale, Will Oldham, Cat Stevens, Nick Drake, Fabrizio de Andre

tracks

1 Judas Disguise
2 Leaving You Forever
3 Plans to Escape My Programmed Heart
4 Sidetracked
5 A Poem/confession
6 The Currency of Labor and Demand
7 These Wholes in My Body On South Street
8 Newburgh
9 Following Love
10 Her Sacred Status...
11 The Golden Crucifix Vs. the Weight Complexity
12 In My Heart
13 The Wealth of My Position
14 No More
15 Prophet Song
16 Sympathy for the Pervert

notes

Finalist 2003 John Lennon Songwriting Contest

"McGraw generates an arresting sound,
packed with feeling and meaning."
-Performing Songwriter Magazine

reviews

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  • author: CD Baby

    Bob Dylan without the politics; A less stoic Leonard Cohen; Billy Joel minus the bull; Cat Stevens without dogmatic leanings; Neil Young without the bad albums; Bruce Springsteen without socialism; Neil Diamond without cheese; Good atheism wraped in clever folk.

  • author: Neil Scott

    In comparison to Stellar Tuesday, Richard McGraw’s Her Sacred Status, My Militant Needs is a work of sublime genius. After more reflection, he is revealed to be an intriguing singer/songwriter whose simple-but-effective acoustic guitar and vocals is backed with great subtlety. The usual solo acoustic introspection sounds fresh simply because McGraw has incorporated a complete lyrical vision that displays a lifetime’s thinking about religion (Christ) and doubt and love (he was, after all, a philosophy student). There isn’t quite enough variety for 16 songs, but a 4 part concept album is bound to have some lulls. Best song? ‘The Golden Crucifix vs. The Weight Complexity.’

  • September 18, 2003 Review
    author: Deanna

    This New Yorker (Queens, baby!) gave us one open and honest invitation to Christian love and lust, personal believes and doubts. ‘Her Sacred Status My Militant Needs’ is truly delicate piece of work, striving to put author’s message across. I got it!

  • "....just not my cup of tea"
    author: Amy

    "...I expected love ballads, and gut-wrenching "I hate you" songs. Not exactly what I got.....Seems to have a preoccupation with sex, lust, orgies, and sex. Also has a weird way of turning sexual subjects into Christian-related ones.....Great voice. Interesting subject matter and lyrics. McGraw uses a lot of imagery from the Bible – for example, the track named "Judas Disguise". He also takes his love subject matter, as well as his sex subject matter, and turns it into a prophecy of sorts."

  • Atomicduster.com spotlight issue #22
    author: atomicduster.com

    Nick James:.....in the opening number, the lyric "Still waiting for renewal in the world, hoping that you'd return as these Christian girls burn, and they burn, and they burn..." I can certainly vouch that a Catholic education has borne the bitterness and experience of a scholar of these words. Tone E: Sounding rather like cult late sixties show tunes, I would be surprised if Richard hasn't spent a fair while seducing his ears with the sounds of Jose Feliciano or Love's classic "Forever Changes" album. The nation's airwaves are sadly deficient of this kind of music nowadays and I for one am ready to welcome it back. Nick James: Having already vouched for Richard's songwriting credentials in the depth of feeling of what is presented here, we would have to continue and comment on his musical arrangement. His use on the whole of the acoustic guitar with which to give foundation to his lyrics, but at the same time accordion, violin and viola add to the subtlety of which we speak. Perhaps Jeff Buckley may have been a mentor - one of many I'm sure.

  • December 2002
    author: randio.com

    Sad songs that cheer you up? Depressing lyrics that are somehow exhilarating? A money-back guarantee, for Christ sakes? Such are the contradictions of McGraw's accomplished new album. Accompanied by piano, accordion and violin, McGraw, New York singer-songwriter, and his acoustic guitar weave detailed narratives of love lost, wasted nights and raw emotion. As McGraw says early on, "I can't be subtle anymore." His songs are assembled into suites, each with a slightly different take on the ecstasies and ironies of love. It's that mixture of the sacred and profane that makes his music so compelling, his message so hard to ignore. "Judas Disguise" is flavored with two themes that recur throughout the record --lust and compassion: "I'm still holding your Judas Disguise/And my will is still weakened by those Hollywood thighs" he sings in the album opener. "A Poem/Confession" is just that, a hymn to a lover who may already be lost. The music is by turns wrenching, lyrically playful, and heart-wrenchingly honest. "Leaving You Forever" has the stately feel of a Leonard Cohen ballad, balanced on an elegant string section. At other times you'll hear echoes of Cat Stevens, Al Stewart, Dylan, and Nick Drake. "What I want is killing me," McGraw confesses in the flamenco-styled "Sidetracked," but adds, "I know what I want and know what I need." McGraw's not interested in sympathy, just catharsis, and ultimately, truth in whatever form it may take.One reviewer has called McGraw a "love junkie" but I think he's a warrior. It takes courage and determination to stare down the heart as it breaks before your eyes, and that's the intimate glimpse we get on "Her Sacred Status." -John Abbott

  • author: the toliet online review

    What can you do with a degree in philosophy? Put out an indie/folk album about sex and Christianity of course. Richard McGraw has given the world a graceful concept album full of poetic commentary on Christian hypocrisy and American confusion. "Her Sacred Status, My Militant Needs" is the first album from the 25 year old New Yorker who has a background in philosophy and graphic arts. He claims his musical roots are in the lyric nature of Bob Dylan and the heavy emotional vocals of Cat Stevens. For the music listener looking for a gentle guitar and strong vocal, search no further. The songs go from heavy intellectual songs like "Her Sacred Status" to the fun and almost pop sound of "The Golden Crucifix Vs. the Weight Complexity." I don't mean to say that McGraw could be the next Back street Boy or American Idol. No, even his "fun" songs have the undercurrent of loss, shame, lust, and torment. Unfortunately, now and again the poetry seems to get out of the control of the writer and becomes cumbersome when teamed with the music. Some of the songs come across a little too wordy and make them harder to listen to. This might turn off the casual listener, but is not a running problem on the album. Unlike many folk artists, McGraw does not subject the listener to pushy lyrics about poverty and social inconsistencies, he instead makes each statement personal, and thus more moving when it comes right down to it. A favorite song of mine, "The Wealth of my Position," is a welcome change from the folk guitar sounds, to a light piano tune. It is an example of McGraw's ability to maneuver cleanly through many methods of message, and I hope to hear more instrumental experimentation in later albums. McGraw says that "the album has a clean well produced feel, it was not made for the masses." And I think you'll agree, but it seems to be a horrible sign of the times that such a beautiful album would not be embraced by more of a mass audience. That would be the downside to being an indie folk artist, the upside is that McGraw has been able to produce an album on his own terms and in his own way. -Claire Rice

  • Distinctive !
    author: Laura T. Lynch of Kweevak.com

    This sixteen-track collection is divided into four sections addressing issues in a thematic order. Richard writes honest lyrics that are placed in stark musical arrangements. Many of the songs are simply McGraw singing softly while playing the acoustic guitar. Others have subtle instrumentation to create a restrained beat and subtle tones. Richard writes intelligent lyrics that are introspective but speaks honestly of the human condition. This CD has a dark reflective mood that is executed with sincerity, clarity and depth. 'Sidetrack' has a delicate flow pouring into lyrics that are pensive and candid. 'Newburgh' is a powerful analysis of a town and disenchantment but ends with the hopeful statement "It's a fine night to be." It has a faint raw energy that captures the imagination. This song also includes soft subtle bass lines provided by Rick McCurdy. Her Sacred Status My Militant Needs is a unique collection of sincere well-written songs executed in a simplified but distinctive musical format.

  • author: Josh Davis

    "Richard McGraw certainly has high ambitions. Besides being ordained and the proud owner of a gun and philosophy degree, his bio promises the, “lyrical foundation of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.” Truthfully, the words and music come more from the Elliott Smith school of songwriting. McGraw’s music is too polished to be compared to Dylan. There’s nary a false note or scratched voice on the entire record, aside from the overall mix that sounds just rough enough to come from old vinyl. But this is not meant to downplay McGraw’s earnest performances. Rather, he runs through self doubt, romantic confusion, and religious complexities with a quivering self assurance rarely found since the Counting Crows debuted brilliantly back in 1993. “I think they’re here to torture me tonight, McGraw sings, “and it’s a fine night for torture.” ....."

  • author: Sense Musiczine -Athens Greece

    Richard McGraw's songs stand as deeply detailed narratives of painful memories, like long postcards from the past recalling old dreams and wasted expectations. Like a Red House Painters or a Trembling Blue Stars record, the stark sincerity and the exhaustive study of all these emotions lay in the center of McGraw's art, as he lets himself get carried away in a maze of self-criticism and wistful looking back. And it's more than clear that his songs are born by a strong need of self-expression, giving the answer themselves to the obvious question someone could ask a songwriter "why do you write music?"... McGraw's lyrics read like an anthology of random thoughts about human relationships, full of tortured questions, guilt and moments of weakness. Lyrics aside, the music follows a plain, acoustic style that bears endless passion and emotive power, as it comes with a lush orchestration featuring piano, accordeon and violin. Then, there's also his unique voice, sometimes hesitant, other times decisive, out to erase the painful past - the only way being to dive deep into it. -Tassos Patokos

  • author: indie-music.com

    "The vocal is pleading, angry, tortured, and beautiful".

  • author: Laura Turner Lynch

    Her Sacred Status My Militant Needs is the latest release from New York state singer/songwriter Richard McGraw. Richard also plays acoustic guitar on this self produced CD. Richard has been influenced by many artists including Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. This sixteen-track collection is divided into four sections addressing issues in a thematic order. Richard writes honest lyrics that are placed in stark musical arrangements. Many of the songs are simply McGraw singing softly while playing the acoustic guitar. Others have subtle instrumentation to create a restrained beat and subtle tones. Richard writes intelligent lyrics that are introspective but speaks honestly of the human condition. This CD has a dark reflective mood that is executed with sincerity, clarity and depth. 'Sidetrack' has a delicate flow pouring into lyrics that are pensive and candid. 'Newburgh' is a powerful analysis of a town and disenchantment but ends with the hopeful statement "It's a fine night to be." It has a faint raw energy that captures the imagination. This song also includes soft subtle bass lines provided by Rick McCurdy. Her Sacred Status My Militant Needs is a unique collection of sincere well-written songs executed in a simplified but distinctive musical format

  • author: indieworkshop.com

    "...If you want to take a step out from the normal singer/songwriter you find in indie circles these days, check this out..." -Jake Haselmen

  • Review from Indulged.com
    author: Andy Wirtanen 

    This CD is a departure from what I normally review on Indulged, but this guy definitely deserves some recognition. Richard McGraw is a 25 year-old singer-songwriter based in Queens who quit graduate school to record this CD. So, that's one reason why you should check this guy out right there. This may be considered Christian music, and that's one problem that can either be quickly ignored or acknowledged (whatever one prefers). Her Sacred Status, My Militant Needs makes me wonder what is so great about Dashboard Confessional, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and all other solo musicians. Richard should be right up there with them, considering he's probably twice as intelligent and talented, and he's "completed a handgun safety course." If Richard killed John Mayer and Jack Johnson, then maybe his music would be heard. But, that wouldn't be very Christian I'm guessing. At least it'd be done safely. Richard's music immediately reminded me of Radiohead (The Bends or OK Computer) and Live (The Distance To Here and whatever their new album is called). There's also a hint of Peter, Paul and Mary in some of the story-telling songs. My favorite tunes are "A Poem/Confession" and "Newburgh." Rating: 4/5 (08.27.02)

  • ISWM INDIE PICK OF THE MONTH
    author: independentsongwriter.com

    Independentsongwriter's Indie Pick of the Month September 2002

  • Review from Aiding and Abetting
    author: Jon Worley

    Richard McGraw separates his songs into chapters, or at least sections. I suppose there are a few thematic reasons for this, but most of the songs on this album deal with existential crises of one kind or another. In a most witty fashion, might I add. That wit is both musical and lyric. McGraw's acoustic guitar-driven sound could get overbearing quite quickly, but he has a deft writing touch and a most engaging playing style. These songs simply aren't dreary, when by all rights they should be. I love the stark sound. It would be really easy to overdub the acoustic guitar or even crank up an electric to "fill out" these pieces. But that would have been a horrible mistake. McGraw leaves his sound raw but rounded, right where it should be. Sometimes this sort of album takes a while to grow on me. I'm not always the most meditative person. But McGraw's skill and intensity drew me in immediately. If you let yourself become engrossed in this album, it will wear you out. And you'll beg for more.

  • Dark passion and a bright mind
    author: Seandavid Review

    An awaited release that purely marks the beginning of artwork. From deep emotion not shaken by daily life, the album speaks for itself. A rooted stir of love, and a young man tied to it intelligently. Naming a certain track may mislead those who have not listened, heard, the lyrics that Mr. McGraw has delivered. The music displays its uniqueness with the help of the acoustic guitar, accompanied at times by other instruments, which is superb. The CD surfaces many symptoms of love, patience, and strength. Her Sacred Status, My Militant Needs provides an exceptional balance between raw desires and honest results. Its no egg short of a dozen.

  • A Beautiful Record
    author: Jeff Klein

    A lyrically smart journey into the psyche of the heart-on-sleeve love junkie. Reading the songs in the booklet alone is worth the purchase, let alone listening. A valiant debut.

  • Accolades in Profusion- The Just Response
    author: Peter Saltieri

    McGraw is a potential savior to all true men and a receptacle of hope for women with hearts disillusioned. This songwriter is no pornographer of modern music. His work envelopes the transcendent, subsuming it in a package which enables visceral palpability of his emotion and renders delcitely intricate and poignant lyrical imagery in the subjective space of the listener. The integrity of his music is, in all sincerity, unparalleled today. It is refined, sophisticated, and original- and that is just the beginning.

  • Richard McGraw is amazing!
    author: Anonymous..

    I cannot help but to feel profoundly touched by the degree of honest and raw human emotion revealed in Rich McGraw's music. He holds an incredible gift of taking the contemplation of his own heart and deep hurts, and expressing it so my own heart breaks every time I listen to these songs. I'm certain there is not one person out there who cannot find something in his music that strikes deep chords. Anyone who has loved or wanted love and looked into themselves as well can appreciate this extremely talented musician's tales of struggles and reflection as much as I do.

  • Between sadness and beautiful songs...
    author: Philippe Pierquin

    It's really difficult to admit that I could have ignored this wonderful cd. Thanks to the mighty Cdbaby, I've recently listened to a lot of excellent stuff you can't find in Europe. And this particular effort by Richard Mc Graw sure is one of the best cd I've listened to for a (very) long time. The mood is dramatic and so are the texts. But it's the songs which are catching the ears. They're both melodic and emotional, dark and attractive. Richard's voice perfectly suited the intentions and the chords behind and between the acoustic guitars are a quality addition you don't particularly wait from an independent release. Considering the beauty of this record it's difficult to understand a big record company doesn't get a licence of it to bring it worldwide. Here in Europe there is a real interest for this sort of acoustic music. And there is not a lot of bands capable of producing a record of this quality. (Excuse my poor English. French is my native language).

  • Local Album of the Week: Her Sacred Status....
    author: Steve Israel/middletown Record

    "This album by Richard McGraw is as grand, rich and beguiling as its title. It’s also as complicated as his town, Newburgh. In an anguished, yearning voice that often recalls of a deeper Rufus Wainwright, McGraw sings of a “Judas Disguise” and “Hollywood thighs”. He laments, “You can see these scars and these wounds up close/These holes in my body on South Street.” And even though the instrumentation by drummer Joe Strack, violinist Larry Packer and keyboardist Zoe B. Zak, is spare, the music sounds big. That’s because McGraw’s lyrics run so deep.”

  • author: Michael Jurkovic/ Rythm And News

    "Here's a neat twist: A literate and trend defying signer/songwriter at play in the Leonard Cohen playground. Using language as intelligently as he uses his guitar and creating a sense of immediacy and reflection with his subtle arrangements, McGraw accomplishes what the greater majority of his peers consistently fail to do -challenging you to listen and think about what he's saying. The 16 songs are assembled as suites, with "Intro" offering the bold and introspective "Judas Disguise." Other songs I found myself returning to are "These Wholes in My Body On South Street," Leaving You Forever," and "Her Sacred Status." With a voice somewhere between Phil Ochs and Eric Andersen, You'll be htting the replay button, too.

  • Singer/Songwriter Richard McGraw's new CD is Phatter than a 94 Landcruiser
    author: Shawn Miller

    Her sacred status My militant needs is a beautifully written album from beginning to end. I listen to the CD once a day and I can't wait until tracks 4 and 15 although I enjoy them all. Her sacred status My militant needs is high up on my rotation of Cds and probably will stay there for a long time.

  • Buy the album and you'll understand...
    author: Blair Schuyler

    This is fabulous! I can't take it out of my stereo. I'm totally hooked and it gets better with every listen. Intelligent songwriting with clever melodies and great hooks make this album one of a kind! Richard McGraw has done something worthy of significant acclaim. Few can match the musical knowledge and skill of this artist. A+++!!!

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