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David Olney

Presents: FILM NOIR

(Deadbeet; US: 24 May 2011)

From the first strains of the plucked upright bass to the final image of sunset on Sunset Boulevard, David Olney Presents FILM NOIR takes listeners on a wild mystery ride. It’s only five short songs long, but the cumulative effect weighs as much as dead man. Hard-boiled characters live in a chiaroscuro world, where nothing’s black and white and the only color comes from flashing neon signs. Olney’s invocations of danger always carry a sinister sneer, whether it’s in the form of a robber who steals your car, shoes, wedding ring, and watch but leaves you $20, or someone who is missing and wants to stay that way. This is rich, literate story telling with a soundtrack, just like the classic movies from the genre he invokes in the title. The jazzy backdrop of saxophones and brushed drums compliment Olney’s deep and grainy vocals. So grab a cheap bottle of whiskey and a pack of smokes. Step out of the rain and put this on. Chances are you’ll head out to the local bar after listening rather than going straight to bed.

Rating:

Steven Horowitz has a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa, where he continues to teach a three-credit online course on "Rock and Roll in America". He has written for many different popular and academic publications including American Music, Paste and the Icon. Horowitz is a firm believer in Paul Goodman's neofunctional perspective on culture and that Sam Cooke was right, a change is gonna come.


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Sunset on Sunset Boulevard
Related Articles
16 May 2005
Although David Olney's songs have been recorded by some great singers, he's a fine performer in his own right.
By Chris Fallon
18 Jul 2003
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