Bill Douglas asked about the new Chris von Sneidern CD, California
Redemption Value, last week and I don't remember anyone posting about it. To
my ears, it is a great disc. Mr. CvS writes about his move from San
Francisco to Seattle and the angst it caused. 'Registered Charity' kicks
things off with a piano lick right out of Harry Nilsson/Badfinger 'Without
You' and before heading into a tortured but beautiful pop song. Chris covers
Jackson Browne's 'These Days' and includes a twist on the Tony Bennett's
signature 'San Francisco' before heading into 'Tale of Two Cities'. For pure
popness, you won't find a much more perfect song than 'Symphony of Love.'
All of songs have the usual CvS elements of strong melody and stirring
harmony with spot-on arrangements.

If it takes pain to create art, this is a masterpiece. Here's hoping Chris
has come out of the other end of the tunnel because California Redemption
Value could be his best and certainly his most mature work. It's available
at all from all of the usual outlets including www.cvsmusic.com.

 

Bill