Review of Chuck Prophet’s “Age of Miracles”by Steve HugEmcee, Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MALennon meets Beck meets Richman meets whatever. That’s how I think about Chuck Prophet’s "Age of Miracles" CD, released on New West Records.It’s a funny, serious, goofy, catchy recording that–if the world were a just place–would make this San Franciscan a big star.The sound on some tracks is reminiscent of John Lennon’s "Walls & Bridges" album, particularly the title track. On other tracks he’s got eclectic rhythms one might link to Beck. And throughout, Prophet sings with the lazy, nasal sound of Jonathan Richman, except Chuck actually is a singer.That said, "Age of Miracles" takes these classic influences and comes out fresh as Febreze. In fact, when I stuck the CD into my car’s player for the first time, I couldn’t believe how cool the record sounded. (Even my 19-year-old-daughter agrees, and she rarely concurs).I’m not one to pay much attention to lyrics, but this album has some memorable ones.From "Automatic Blues"–I feel like a pair of sneakers in a washing machine I’m bouncing off the walls trapped in the heat.From "Age of Miracles"–Don’t go now, there’s more to see All lost time will be retrieved I know it’s true, it’s on TV In the age of miracles.Chuck plays guitar, organ, lap steel and other instruments. He wrote or co-wrote all the songs, often with the help of some Nashville heavies. For example, country soul producer/writer Dan Penn co-wrote "Heavy Duty" on the album. Penn is famed for his "Dark End of the Street," covered by Gram Parsons and many others, and for his production of the Box Tops’ records in the 1960s. More recently, Penn produced one of the finer Americana albums of 2005, Greg Trooper’s "Make It Through This World."Songstress Kim "Bette Davis’ Eyes" Carnes wrote "Just To See You Smile" with Chuck. Kim is known for her duets with Kenny Rogers, and is a celebrated songwriter for pop and country performers. (In case you didn’t understand the reference, "Bette Davis’ Eyes" was Carnes’ smash single that dominated pop radio a million years ago.)Another country Kim–Kim Richey–also co-writes a track, "You Got Me Where You Want Me." Ms. Richey is a well-respected, fairly mainstream country songwriter and performer. (Her website is under construction, but just Google her name if you want to learn more.)Chuck Prophet comes to the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Monday, August 15, and going to the show just to buy this CD is worth the effort. It’s that good! Chuck plays New York City a couple nights later and is slated to appear on World Caf� Live on Thursday August 18 out of Philadelphia.For those familiar with the work of John Doe–who also has recently put out a fantastic CD–you’ll like Chuck Prophet. He’s got Doe’s rocking feel, although Chuck’s more lighthearted.I give “Age of Miracles” 4 bottle caps, and urge everyone to get to know the music of Chuck Prophet.{mosimage}
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