CD - RL0001 (1999)

The most striking thing about this record for me, is the sense of old-fashioned-ness in the songwriting. It's very refreshing to hear something current showing such a good awareness of greats like Steely Dan, Supertramp and Crosby Stills Nash & Young.

That is not to say that this CD is an irrelevant period piece - it merely proves how great songwriting got in the seventies, and that a good song will always be a good song.

This is a real mixed bag though in terms of presentation - The opening track 'Wait In The Dark' is metal, pure and simple, and the album moves unashamedly through styles: country, piano balladry and slight psychadelia! While there are many different guest vocalists, the man behind all these songs (and who plays keyboards throughout and sings lead on 6 out of 10) is one Primo Mendoza. (Rock star name if ever there was one!) Despite the varying approaches on this album - the listener is left with a clear sense of his writing style. If you disregard the first track it is quite incredible how the CD as a whole manages to work so well, incorporating ingredients of such disparity.

Primo's voice has a sweet fragility akin to Neil Young's, although Mendoza himself maintains that the likeness isn't a conscious thing. Primo's voice is suitably placed on songs like 'You're Not Free' and 'Be That Morning'. The former being the catchiest of the entire bunch, and the thing inspired me to buy the album in the first place. Generally, I think that the songs with Mendoza's own vocals, come across much better than the others. Although for plenty of songwriters getting a 'singer' in is a must, there simply isn't the emotional content in the delivery for my money.

Also sitting in the production chair, Mr Mendoza has done a solid job. Every part is clear and simple and the whole thing is a hiss-free zone. Good production like this is all too rarely found with self-funded releases.

Melodically, as I said, the songs are incredibly well crafted, but lyrically they can be a little hard to trace at first listen, which some people will find a hurdle. Other people will of course say that a world without mystery is a dull old place to hang out.

Anyway, if you yearn for seventies ethics, personal songs and some really dreamy keyboard playing then this CD is for you. Mendoza (however subconsciously) has been taught by some undeniable songwriting heavyweights and this album proves that it can still be done without an ounce of recycling.

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Primo Mendoza - Real Love, Living in a Dream ©2001 Rich Barnard & Virtually Acoustic
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