Raves for
Cornerstone |
* * * * *
Best of the Month, February 98. Each song on this perfect
little pearl of a record has something to commend it. In a better world
youd be hearing it daily on the radio and seeing it prominently
displayed in the corporate record chains...his songs unfurl with a minor-key,
folk-rockish urgency. A fount of feeling thats rare in this age
of cynical self-containment fairly gushes from him.
-Stereo Review
Heyman is at the
height of his creative powers, which he demonstrates on the ultra-solid,
infectious Cornerstone. Cornerstone is full of memorable
compositions...Some major label should pick up this album, while some
smart non-writing artists should search here for covers. Somebody ought
to be having hits with songs this haunting.
-Rolling Stone Reviews
All those who devote themselves
to the pursuit of pure pop pleasures will find no better album this
year than this latest disc by Richard X. Heyman. It is, in fact, a musical
time machine that transports its listeners back to an era when melody
really mattered and a three minute single often measured up as a musical
masterpiece. Heyman comes across as a rocknroll savior,
one whos carefully absorbed the influences of many a forebear
and crafted a sound so affecting and engaging it ought to be required
listening for radio programmers everywhere.
-Goldmine
Every song on this
LP is a winner; it's really hard to pick a favorite! With Heyman's beautiful
voice, memorable melodies and top-notch musicianship, Cornerstone
reminds us of a time long past, before rock & roll had splintered
into so many formats. Breathtaking!
-Album Network
A monument to sturdy songcraft.
This East Coast tunesmith, singer, producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist
is something of an underground power-pop legend, but Cornerstone
outstrips his past triumphs with heartfelt melodies and sweeping, elegant
arrangements...Heymans soulful, earthy vocals and simply killer
tunes never fail to enchant. X marks the spot.
-Hits Magazine
The real beauty
of Heymans talent is that he produces the best kind of pure pop;
each song is unencumbered by pretense and doesnt deviate from
its goal of producing one juicy hook after another...Although the influences
are clear, Heyman never sounds like hes trying to imitate anyone.
He has his own sound...Songs like Cornerstone, All
I Have and When She Arrives will float your pop boat.
-CMJ
"Cornerstone was worth the
wait -- every glorious, hook filled, guitar twanged, pop/rock melodious
minute of it., hook after delicious hook."
-The Tracking Angle
Heyman is a tragically
under-recognized pop genius. His new Cornerstone (Permanent Press)
is blessed with effortlessly giddy refrains, and melodies that will
help you remember what drew you to pop music in the first place.
-Philadelphia Inquirer
In Richard X. Heyman, we have
an artist who can do it all: write (there is no more consistent tunesmith
in pop), sing (a classic voice, clearly the result of someone whos
been weaned on all the right records), demonstrate musical virtuosity
(plays about every damn instrument well!), and, yes, produce those elusive
sounds in his head on tape (every song is filled with wonderful instrumental
nuances which would make Brian Wilson proud). This record is an embarrassment
of riches -- Rock and Roll just doesnt get any better than this.
There may be no other artist who better connects words and music to
convey emotions...With Cornerstone, Richard X. Heyman has taken his
art to an even higher level than before, kicking down every musical
door in his way. Buy this record if you still care about the things
that made you like Rock and Roll in the first place.
-Amplifier Magazine
"Critics' Poll, The Year In Music
1998, Top Ten".
-Billboard
"Boom! It's Richard X. Heyman exploding
in a controlled frenzy of jangly guitars and pop harmonies. His music
is something you honestly look forward to listening to."
"* * * * * An immensely talented, bright, multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter /producer with unerring pop instincts that are based on sturdy tradition while still sounding amazingly fresh...Heyman writes such terrific songs, full of yearning, romantic -- but never saccharine -- images and engaging melodies...these 14 songs are full of countless indescribable, seemingly effortless moments -- sometimes lyrical, other times melodic, instrumental or vocal -- that characterize ageless pop, moments of jaw-dropping perfection and beauty. -Lincoln Journal
Star
* * * * * Reaches pops most deliriously dizzy heights...with choruses that melt grooves through your head and classy production...This would be a deeply impressive pop record even if the lyrics were trite or overly familiar, but RXH is a strong storyteller and his careful observations on loves found and lost ring true...Cornerstone is a triumph of the pop form. -KMR#28
Heyman is a multi-instrumental
virtuoso. The tunes on Cornerstone are overwhelming -- hook after hook
after hook, soaring and diving and cascading around your ears in an
embarrassment of melodiousness. Every song is meticulously arranged,
with gorgeous jingle-jangle guitars, various effects and stacks upon
stacks of vocal harmonies all perfectly placed. If you dont find
yourself humming something from this record afterward, youd better
check your pulse.
-The News & Observer
(Raleigh, NC)
In pure pop circles, Richard X.
Heyman has cult status to spare...You dont have to be a retro
lover to fall for this album...Heymans got so many hooks happening
at once that he makes it all sound easy, and thats one sure sign
of a real talent.
-Union-News Sunday Republican
His latest, Cornerstone,
is a gem. Heyman, the grand vizier of local pop, is one of New York
Citys most underrated talents.
-Time Out
His catchy tunes are an exhilarating gust of fresh air. -The Orange County Register
Cornerstone is
wonderful and easily the best thing hes ever done. A tightly focused
set of instant classic tracks. Its the kind of record that makes
you want to get up in the morning and run into the day...Its not
just glossy radio fodder, in fact its nothing less than the drama
of human life.
-Hearsay Magazine
(UK)
To say he succeeded with the
new project would be an understatement; Cornerstone is not only the
best record hes made, its a stunning piece of work by
anyones standards. Cornerstone, like all of his work, is lyrically
deep, musically exciting, and reaffirms what many have known all along
-- Richard X. Heyman is on the very short list of great songwriters.
-Pop Culture Press
Emotionally charged
songs...Cornerstone is an earnest and powerful record that has a depth
and substance...All of the pop virtuosos should give this
one a good listen before they make their own.
-Entertainment Today
Heyman is an enviably talented
musician, songwriter and singer...Sublime guitar playing, bass, keyboards
and drumming abound, but for once it's the lyrical interplay and the
quality of the production which sit up and beg to be noticed. Cornerstone...deserves
your support.
-Ptolemaic Terrascope (UK)
Exquisite power-pop
courtesy of this grade-A tunesmith. His sound is thoroughly his own.
And incessantly hummable.
-The Skinny On Music
Its hard to make layered,
home-made pop sound so fresh and alive, but Heyman succeeds on the basis
of his richly detailed songs. Cornerstone transcends its influences
even as he demonstrates how much he has learned from groups like the
Beach Boys, Beatles and Kinks.
-Hartford Courant
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