The Choir - "Bloodshot"

The Choir - Bloodshot
2018, Galaxy21

1. Bloodshot Eyes
2. Californians On Ice
3. Summer Rain
4. Birds, Bewildered
5. Only Reasons
6. House of Blues
7. The Dizzy Wounded
8. Because You're Beautiful (Bloodshot Reprise)
9. The Way You Always Are
10. Magic
11. We've Got the Moon
12. The Time Has Come

Hey, remember way back during the Loudest Sound Ever Heard era when Steve Hindalong said his wife didn't want him to write about their relationship anymore? Well...let's just say he's gone back on that a bit here. Most of the album's lyrics are inspired by Steve's recent divorce. I hate to say it, but that tragedy makes Bloodshot a pretty compelling album. The heartache is real. All of the fights, the sleepless nights, the confusion - it's all here. In "House of Blues," Derri sings, "Bittersweet reverberations/That melancholy ghost is here/Haunting every empty room/Meet me in the hallway/I'll trade you tear for tear." You can really feel the anguish in every note. It makes me look at my own marriage and appreciate what I have and maybe try to avoid some pitfalls. "The Dizzy Wounded" is another favorite with the chorus, "Before we begin our descent into madness/Why don't we/The dizzy wounded dance." There are a few breathers here, "Californians On Ice," "Magic," and "We've Got the Moon," are mercifully upbeat and provide a reprieve from the tumult and balance out the album a bit. Music-wise, the band doesn't stray too far from Shadow Weaver except with maybe a little more acoustic guitar and a little less ambient guitar swirlies. "The Way You Always Are" sounds like it could have been on Steve's solo album, The Warbler (especially because Steve sings the lead). Probably the only track that I don't care for is the album closer "The Time Has Come." It contains 90% of the albums guitar swirlies ("Because You're Beautiful" contains the other 10%). The lyrics center around the theme of forgiveness... but I don't know. It feels like the band wanted to end on a more positive note so they included this song - it falls a little flat for me. Also, as Uvulapie pointed out to me, the bass is kind of buried in the mix for some reason. It sucks sometimes that heartache and pain translate into some of the best art but it's what makes Bloodshot so engrossing. It's among the best of the band's 2010's era for sure.

Useless Fact: There are a few videos for songs on this album, "Californians on Ice," "Birds, Bewikdered," and "The Time Has Come."

The Choir - "Shadow Weaver"

The Choir - Shadow Weaver
2014, Galaxy 21

1. Shadow Weaver
2. What You Think I Am
3. It Hurts To Say Goodbye
4. Get Gone
5. We All Know
6. Two Clouds Are One
7. White Knuckles
8. Everybody's Got a Guru
9. The Soul of Every Creature Cries Out
10. Frequency of Light
11. Rhythm of the Road
12. The Antithesis of Blue
13. Shadow Weaver Reprise

I've had some problems reviewing the last few Choir albums. I'd listen to them, love them for the first two weeks, write a glowing review, then realize that I didn't end up really liking them as much as I did initially. I wanted to eliminate that problem with Shadow Weaver. I've been listening to this for months, marinating in it, waiting for the "honeymoon" period to be over. I think I can talk about it a little bit more objectively. It's the band's very first Kickstarter release (a campaign which I supported!). I think they really wanted to take their time with this one - get the whole band to write songs together and not worry so much about time or funding. I think all the hard work shows as this is the strongest album the 2010's albums. Where Midnight Sun was solid, but suffered from a boring middle bit and Loudest Sound was just completely light-weight, Shadow Weaver is a step up. Steve's lyrics are leaps and bounds better than the previous album - striking that perfect balance of personal, universal, poignant and beautiful. And while the choruses can be pretty simplistic at times I really connected with the songs. The music is just as weighty. I would be remiss to mention "What You Think I Am" which is probably the darkest, heaviest sounding song the band has done. Shadow Weaver isn't perfect, but it is more than sufficient to scratch my Choir itch.

Useless Fact: "It Hurts To Say Goodbye" is based off the band member's daughters moving away. It makes me think of the day my little girl will have to move away. It also makes me appreciate how much my own mother sacrificed in letting me go.

The Choir - "Peace, Love, & Light"

The Choir - Peace, Love, & Light
2013, Galaxy 21

1. I Saw Three Ships
2. In the Bleak Midwinter
3. Away in a Manger
4. Baby, It's Cold Outside (feat. Leigh Nash)
5. Peace, Love, & Light

This year The Choir did their very first Kickstarter (one in which I actually had the money to help!). It went over splendidly and the band met all of their stretch goals. One such goal was the recording of a Christmas EP. What's great about this little album is that there's a few songs that don't get covered much. I've needed a version of "I Saw Three Ships" for awhile now and I'd never even heard "In the Bleak Midwinter" before. If you're a big fan of the band you won't really find any surprises here. Each version is lovingly arranged and appropriately "Choir-ey." Leigh Nash provides some guest vocals for the band's cover of "Baby, It's Cold Outside." I think their vocals work better here than in "After All" (off Loudest Sound). All but one song made it onto my Ultimate Christmas Playlist. And if you're curious, I didn't put "Away in a Manger" on it because I've already got Nat King Cole's version and I don't like repeats in my playlists. Anyway, it's a great little treat for fans and a good album in its own right. Maybe someday they'll do a full length Christmas album.

Useless Fact: "Peace, Love, & Light" is an original song.

The Choir - "The Loudest Sound Ever Heard"

The Choir - The Loudest Sound Ever Heard
2012, Galaxy 21

1. Strange Girl
2. Learning To Fly
3. Cross That River
4. Laughter of Heaven
5. O How
6. The Forest
7. Takin' the Universe In
8. Melodious
9. A World Away
10. After All (Feat. Leigh Nash)

The Loudest Sound Ever Heard is quite a boon for us Choir fans. After all it had been five years between Flap Your Wings and O How the Mighty Have Fallen and another five before the band released Burning Like the Midnight Sun. Having a new album in just two short years, well, it's just wonderful. What I like most about Loudest Sound is the fresh, new textures the band brings to bear. I love the album opener, "Strange Girl" with its jangly riff and catchy hook. I also like the watery guitars and Steve's unique drumming on "Laughter of Heaven." Even Dan Michaels' sax seems to have new life as it seems to be more prominent and used in different ways. The low sax notes in "Takin' the Universe In" give that song a groove you won't find on any previous album. I always thought that Midnight Sun sounded very familiar where Loudest Sound takes me in completely different territory. There are some tracks that don't really "wow" me like "Learning to Fly" and "The Forest" - they sound a bit generic to me. However, there's still plenty to love. The pleasantly acoustic "Melodious" (dedicated to bassist Tim Chandler) and the touching "A World Away" also impress. The latter of which includes one of my favorite choruses ever.

Which leads me to my next point. I like the lyrics here as compared to the last album. While the funny stories of "Mr. Chandler" and the Marc Byrd tribute were fun, they didn't really anchor in my heart like Choir lyrics tend to do. Steve's at his best when he's personal and this is probably one of the more personal albums he's penned despite not having any songs about fighting with his wife. Steve openly admits that he doesn't have all the answers - "I'm a world away from enlightened/ More than a stone's throw from the Truth/ I'm a sad, far cry from a man who never lies/ But I'll hold the lantern high for you" (from "A World Away"). It's this kind of hopeful honesty that I've always loved about his lyrics.

The album closes with a duet with Leigh Nash. Being a bonna-fide Sixpence tard I was looking forward to this song most of all. However, upon hearing it I was a little ambivalent about the vocals. See, the problem is that Derri and Leigh sound too similar. So it doesn't really sound like two voices coming together to make something new, it just sounds like two people singing. I think I might have liked it more immediately if they'd traded off vocals. That being said, the melody of this song is haunting and beautiful and after repeated listens I got over my initial dislike of the vocals and it has become another favorite.

The Loudest Sound Ever Heard is quite an achievement for a band that's been together this long. I will say that the cover art doesn't do much for me. It's a little... um... smeary for my tastes. The artwork in the liner notes is great, it's just the cover that looks like it was left out in the rain. A small nitpick, however, because at the end of the day this is a fine album and I love listening to it.

Useless Fact: The album title refers to the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa that killed a bunch of people. It was reportedly the "loudest sound ever heard." It's also used to reference the love between two good friends.

The Choir: Live in Dan's Living Room

Out here where I live (in the sticks) we don't get a lot of cool bands. Scratch that, we get no cool bands. Occasionally around Savannah area a band will come around but usually Atlanta is the place for a music scene. Imagine my delight when The Choir announced a free online concert to be put on December 14th. I took the day off for this. There was no way I was going to miss it.

I actually logged on a full two hours ahead of time just to be sure everything would be in working order before the concert. Several other people had the same idea and we all hung out, shooting the breeze for two hours. It was a lot of fun. It must be what it's like for my wife and her fellow Twilight-tards when they camp out for the newest Twilight movie. The concert started more or less on time though they abruptly started right int he middle of the first song. The complete setlist was as follows:

1. 15 Doors
2. Black Cloud
3. Clouds
4. To Cover You
5. A Sentimental Song
6. Beautiful Scandalous Night
7. Wicked Guns (w/ Steve on vocals)
8. Love Your Mind
9. Spring
10. Leprechaun
11. Mercy Lives Here
12. Hey Gene
13. Enough to Love
14. Between Bare Trees
15. Midnight Sun
16. About Love

The show ran about two hours and the band answered fan questions between songs as well as told stories and fooled around. It was a mellow, intimate, and informal vibe - only Steve and Derri with occasional performances with Dan. The band played in Dan Micheal's living room in front of the fireplace where Dan's family's stockings were hung. Steve had strung Christmas lights over his drums as well. Sometimes it was hard to hear certain band members at certain times but for the most part the audio was pretty good.

As far as the performances - they were all a treat. Aside from a few extras here and there the band pretty much stuck to the songs on de-plumed which wasn't a problem for me because I love that disc. Derri played "Love Your Mind" completely solo and it was absolutely stunning for me. I think I like the acoustic version of that song more than the normal version. I was surprised that they decided to play "Wicked Guns" (off Lost Dogs' Old Angel) and even more surprised that Steve sung on it. It gave that song a different spin and Steve sounded pretty good. He also broke out a lasso and showed off his rope skillz that he acquired on Route 66. I requested "Goodbye Winslow" but to no avail.

It was cool to see all of Steve's weird percussion toys in action. He used a wine glass (with wine in it) on "Enough to Love" and a couple songs featured a "spring drum" I think it's called. The guys shared odd tales from the road like their weirdest gigs and how weird it is to room with Mike Roe, who apparently really likes to be naked. All in all it was a great show and a really fun night and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it. Hopefully they'll do it again soon!

The Choir - "de-plumed"

The Choir - de-plumed. laid bare; exposed; featherless

2010, Galaxy 21

1. Dreams

2. 15 Doors

3. Black Cloud

4. Clouds

5. To Bid Farewell

6. A Sentimental Song

7. Love Your Mind

8. Spring

9. Leprechaun

10. Hey Gene

11. Enough to Love

12. A Friend So Kind

So one day I was checking the Choir's website (as I often do, being the total Choir fantard that I am) and I see that they had a new album out. This isn't an album of new material, but a collection of "unplugged" versions of album tunes - one from each album. I listened to the samples online and my brain screamed at me: you must buy this! And buy this I did. I think the greatest thing about this disc is that it really showcases the songs themselves and just how good they really are. It's nice to hear these tunes without all the psychedelic brik-a-brak that the band is usually known for. I think it makes them sweeter and more poignant - more sentimental if that's even possible! I actually preferred this version of "Enough to Love" to the album version. I'm also glad they did a couple Youth Choir songs because I think "15 Doors" is my favorite track and another one that I like better here than on the actual album. That being said, this isn't going to replace the albums but it's a real treat for fans.

There's only two things I have to complain about. First, "A Friend So Kind" was my least favorite track on Burning Like the Midnight Sun. I would have much rather heard an acoustic version of "That Melancholy Ghost," "It Should Have Been Obvious," or "Invisible." Second, the disc costs $15.99 plus shipping. It's kind of a steep price for what's essentially a CDR in a cardboard sleeve. I think they offer a cheaper online version but for those who like to have the CD it's a bit much. Though I did buy it and I do like it a lot so I guess I should shut up, eh?

Useless Fact: Matt Slocum from Sixpence None the Richer is on hand to play cello for several cuts.

The Choir - "Burning Like the Midnight Sun"

The Choir - Burning Like the Midnight Sun
2010, Galaxy 21

1. Midnight Sun
2. That Melancholy Ghost
3. Mr. Chandler
4. Between Bare Trees
5. A Friend So Kind
6. Legend of Old Man Byrd
7. I'm Sorry I Laughed
8. The Word Inside the Word
9. Should Have Been Obvious
10. Invisible
11. Say Goodbye To Neverland

Here's what I love about the Choir - every new album feels like home. Somehow they have a way of creating albums that have a distinct sonic identity yet feel so familiar. They're like a visit from an old friend you haven't seen in a long time. Some of this has to do with the lyrics of Steve Hindalong. He's got some themes that he tends to visit and inserts lines from older songs into new ones. It's cool because it ties together all the band's albums into one big tapestry. And I have to say, Burning Like the Midnight Sun is a fine addition to that tapestry. There are songs like "That Melancholy Ghost" that actually reminded me of the old New Wave days of Diamonds and Rain. Then there are tunes like "I'm Sorry I Laughed" that reminded me of "Sunny" off of Flap Your Wings. I loved the laid-back acoustic "Between Bare Trees" and the plodding "Mr. Chandler," about an airport snafu that happened to bassist Tim Chandler many years ago. I also love "Should Have Been Obvious" which sort of sounds like a better version of "I Don't Mean Any Harm" (off Flap Your Wings). But the whole album is full of that kind of stuff. You'll listen to this album and remember songs, images, and feelings from the band's past. Ultimately you'll feel like Burning Like the Midnight Sun has been your favorite for years. If you're a Choir fan you are truly in for a treat. If not... well... that's just silly. Go get it and educate yourself.

Useless Fact: The band offered several preorder packages ranging from "extra super duper cool" (an invitation to a private party to hang out with the band) to "normal" (just the album itself). I got the package that came with an "director's cut" disc which is basically the album with commentary from the band. Definitely worth listening to if you can find it somewhere. You get to hear all the cool stories about where these songs came from.

The Choir - "O How the Mighty Have Fallen"

The Choir - O How the Mighty Have Fallen

2005, Galaxy21

1. O How the Mighty Have Fallen

2. Nobody Gets a Smooth Ride

3. She's Alright

4. Enough to Love

5. Terrible Mystery

6. We Give We Take

7. Fine Fun Time

8. How I Wish I Knew

9. Mercy Will Prevail

10. To Rescue Me

Steve Hindalong says about this album that they had "no commercial aspirations, just ten more feathers to offer to the wind." What's ironic is that they have quite possible crafted one of the finest records of their career. Yeah... just as good as Circle Slide, Speckled Bird and all the rest. The whole album is like putting on that worn comfortable pair of shoes or easing into a hot bath. The songs are amazing, tragic, and beautiful with emotional tunes like "How I Wish I Knew" about the moodiness of Steve's daughter or "Mercy Will Prevail" - a poignant look at faith in the face of doubt ("I want to swear it's true/But it's hard to defend it..."). I also love the peppy tracks "Nobody Gets a Smooth Ride" and "Fine Fun Time" I thought that Flap Your Wings sounded a bit tired, but here the band is rejuvenated and as fresh as they ever have been.

Useless Fact: The band permanently added Mark Byrd as a member for this album.

The Choir - "Flap Your Wings"

The Choir - Flap Your Wings
2000, thechoir.net

1. Flap Your Wings
2. Shiny Floor
3. Mercy Lives Here
4. Hey Gene
5. Sunny
6. Flowing Over Me
7. Cherry Bomb
8. I Don't Mean Any Harm
9. A Moment in Time
10. Beautiful Scandalous Night

I think this is the first Choir disc that I didn't fall immediately in love with. In fact, I think it's probably one of the weaker discs in their catalogue. I really like the tribute to the late Gene Eugene ("Hey Gene") and I like the psychedelic fuzz of "Shiny Floor" AND I like the album closer "Beautiful Scandalous Night." Then there's tunes like "Flowing Over Me," "I Don't Mean Any Harm," and "A Moment in Time" that really aren't very innovative or fresh and not up to the high standards of the usual Choir record. Now I would say that this disc is far from being bad but being stacked up against the likes of Circle Slide or Speckled Bird it doesn't really work as well for me.

Useless Fact: Mike Knott painted the cover art.

The Choir - "Let It Fly"

The Choir - Let It Fly

1997, Tattoo

1. Introduction

2. Circle Slide/ Sled Dog

3. Yellow Skies

4. Away With the Swine

5. Consider

6. Kissers and Killers

7. A Sentimental Song

8. Sad Face

9. Tear for Tear/About Love

10. Beautiful Scandalous Night

11. Restore My Soul

This is a fun little live disc recorded during the band's Free Flying Soul tour. I think there's a good mix of old and new songs and the sound quality is good. You can hear enough of the crowd and none of the instruments are drowned out. The guys are also a little goofy in between songs which is entertaining. All in all not a bad live offering.

Useless Facts: There's some extra stuff on the disc like videos and stuff but I never watched it. Also, in the liner notes the listener is warned not to listen to the album with headphones. I don't know why... sounds alright to me.

The Choir - "Free Flying Soul"

The Choir - Free Flying Soul
1996, Tattoo

1. Salamander
2. Polar Boy
3. Sled Dog
4. Away With the Swine
5. The Ocean
6. If You're Listening
7. The Chicken
8. Slow Spin
9. Leprechaun
10. Yellow-Haired Monkeys
11. Butterfly
12. The Warbler

Since the deal with REX was for only one album, the band made their own label: Tattoo and released Free Flying Soul. There's a little less fuzz this time around and Dan Michael's sax is almost nowhere to be found. Why, o why? This was probably The Choir's least popular disc as far as I know. I can understand why. At first the quality just doesn't seem to be there, but this album has really grown on me. It's not my favorite, but it's not some horrible misstep or downward spiral either. That being said I think "The Warbler" is one of the most beautiful songs ever. Yeah, I said EVER.

Useless Fact: Steve actually had a little guy like on the cover that he'd hang in his kick drum on tour.

The Choir - "Speckled Bird"

The Choir - Speckled Bird

1994, REX

1. Speckled Bird

2. Yellow Skies

3. Like a Cloud

4. Gripped

5. Weather Girl

6. Wilderness

7. Never More True

8. Spring

9. Grace

10. Amazing

11. Love Your Mind

12. Kissers and Killers

Speckled Bird is basically Kissers and Killers with a few new songs. One of those songs is an electric version of "Wilderness" that was on the Brow Beat acoustic compilation. This is probably ranks as one of my absolute favorite Choir offerings.

Useless Fact: Too bad for anyone, like me, that really liked "Let the Sky Fall" because Steve felt too insecure on the vocal so it wasn't included. I personally think it's one of his strongest vocals, but that's just me.

The Choir - "Kissers and Killers"

The Choir - Kissers and Killers
1993, Independent

1. Gripped
2. Amazing
3. Kissers and Killers
4. Weather Girl
5. Yellow Skies
6. Grace
7. Let the Sky Fall
8. Love Your Mind

After the band's contract with Myrrh was up they produced this little independent album that you could only get from them or a music festival like Kingdom Bound (which is where I got my original tape). This disc adds a slightly new element to their sound: fuzz. Somehow Derri managed a guitar tone that was dirty and fuzz - full of feedback and distortion and managed to somehow make wonderful melodic songs that evolve the band's sound while still remaining distinctly The Choir. Love this.

Useless Fact: Steve Hindalong doesn't like to talk about the meaning of "Weather Girl." I don't know why... so ... Steve if you ever read this, I'm really curious.

The Choir - "Wide Eyed Wonder"

The Choir - Wide Eyed Wonder

1989, Myrrh

1. Someone To Hold On To

2. To Cover You

3. Robin Had a Dream

4. Spin You Around

5. When She Sees Me

6. Wide-Eyed Wonder

7. Happy Fool

8. Car, Etc.

9. Behind That Locked Door

10. To Bid Farewell

11. Car, Cont.

I'm a little disappointed that it's so hard for me to come up with things to write about these Choir discs. All I know is that I've loved The Choir's music since I was thirteen. There's so much history and emotion I have wrapped up in all these songs that I guess it's really hard to talk about it other than to say "it's awesome, and I like it... you should too." Okay... about the music, Wide-Eyed Wonder doesn't stray too far from the sound established on Kangaroo. Not to say that they weren't evolving, but both of those albums aren't too far from one another in terms of style. There are a few experimental bits with "Car, Etc." that are quiet enjoyable. Most of the album's lyrics are about Steve's newborn daughter, Emily. As a man awaiting the arrival of his own little girl this whole disc will probably take on a whole new meaning.

Useless Fact: Bassist Tim Chandler went on to play for Daniel Amos full time so Robin Spurs was brought in to replace him. And since they had an attractive female in their band, they got to be on a couple magazine covers. Robin left to play in Rachel Rachel. Which to me is like Terry Ferrel leaving Deep Space Nine to be on the sit-com Becker (i.e. maybe not the best decision since people still love DS9 and no one's heard of Becker)

The Choir - "Chase the Kangaroo"

The Choir - Chase the Kangaroo
1987, Myrrh

1. Consider
2. Children of Time
3. Clouds
4. Sad Face
5. Cain
6. The Rifleman
7. Look Out (For Your Own)
8. Everybody in the Band
9. So Far Away
10. Chase the Kangaroo
Bonus Tracks:
11. Fade Into You
12. 15 Doors
13. More Than Words
14. Tears Don't Fall
15. All Night Long

I'm not really sure what to say about this disc other than I really like it and The Choir is one of my favorite bands. The sound of this one isn't as dated like Diamonds and remains creative throughout. This is where the band was really starting to find their sound. Derri's guitar work here is incredible. He's no technical player but he's got this way with effects and tones that can really stir up emotions and images. It's probably pretty easy for Steve Hindalong to come up with lyrics. I can't really even pick a favorite because I love them all.

Useless Fact: The CD version of Kangaroo came with the songs from the Shades of Grey EP back when they were called Youth Choir. They're not bad - very 80's though. Also: Steve Hindalong has gone on record saying that he's tired of explaining "Chase the Kangaroo" so he just doesn't anymore.

The Choir - "Diamonds and Rain"

The Choir - Diamonds and Rain

1986, Myrrh

1. Fear Only You

2. Render Love

3. All That is You

4. Black Cloud

5. I Painted Mercy

6. Kingston Road

7. Listen to Her Eyes

8. (You Do That) Triangle

9. Love Falls Down

10. When the Morning Comes

Diamonds and Rain is pretty will set in New Wave territory for the most part. However, "Render Love" and "Black Cloud" foreshadow the atmospheric, sentimental alt-rock that the band would grow into. I think I was born a little too late to truly enjoy this disc. It's not bad at all, in fact, I really like a lot of the songs - even the New Wavey ones, but usually when I go for some Choir to listen to this is one of the last on the list that I pick. No particular reason though. Oh, I should mention the cover because it is hilarious. Steve and Derri look like they lost a battle with a light socket!

Useless Fact: The original title for this album was supposed to be Love and Fear but either the producers or the label wanted something more poetic. Diamonds and Rain was what they got. I think the producers were right on this one.

The Choir - "Circle Slide"

The Choir - Circle Slide
1991, Myrrh

1. Circle Slide
2. If I Had a Yard
3. A Sentimental Song
4. Merciful Eyes
5. Tear For Tear
6. About Love
7. Blue Skies
8. Laugh Loop
9. Restore My Soul

I think guitarist Derri Daugherty's studio must look like a mad scientist's laboratory - full of effects pedals, sound boards, amplifiers, and equipment specifically designed to coax the most interesting and unique sounds out of his guitar. Combine this with Dan Michael's sax and lyricon and what you have is an album full of soundscapes both innovative and evocative. Once you get used to the swirling aural sensations you're presented with "Blue Skies" which showcases how the band can do so much with so little. Probably my biggest complaint about this album is that it's way too short at 9 songs!

Useless Fact: I think bassist Robin Spurs left the band during the recording of this disc because she does play bass on a tune or two.