'Christian Kane EP' - Christian Kane (Bigger Picture Group, 2010)
Christian Kane has always struck me as an artist who chooses his work carefully. Whether it be acting or music, he seems to have picked projects he believed in, not just those who were the shortest route to fame. Maybe because of this, I feel that the Christian I listen to now is the same guy as all those years ago when I first heard his music. Aristic integrity and no making compromises are still part of the package and clearly I'm not the only one to appreciate that - within hours of its release the EP made it into the top 5 country albums on iTunes.
The EP opens with 'American Made', a blazing country-rock tune which pays homage to all things homegrown. Blast this through the speakers on a warm summer's day drive as a remedy for any bad mood.
'The House Rules' is a fan favorite and I was pleased to see it included. I have heard several versions of this one over the years and this bass-heavy incarnation is about as tight as it gets. And rule #7 still makes me smile!
Don't look for references to 'the little woman' here. Christian's songs have always had strong female characters who know what they want and are not afraid to ask for it. Foot-stomper 'Whiskey In Mind' continues this trend. Though, the first time I heard this song, I didn't hear a description of a chance encounter but rather the story of a married couple playing out their fantasy in a bar.
The unhurried 'Making Circles' describes an unhealthy relationship neither is prepared to leave and its nicely juxtaposed by closer 'Let Me Go'; a romantic tale in which both sides are given a voice and it features quite possible Christian's best vocal performance.
The swear words and reference to getting high means country radio will not go within a mile of this record. Christian knows this, but he does it anyway and it adds to the songs' (and his) authenticity. With a good beat, Christian's incredible voice, lots of guitars and plenty of fiddle and steel, this EP can take its place among the best of today's country-rock.
The Christian Kane EP is 'a country, a little soul, it's a rock 'n' roll rodeo' and it comes with a big UCB seal of approval!
Pick up your copy via your iTunes, Amazon, or Christian's website if you're overseas.
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Love rule #7!! ;) haven't had a chance to download this yet, but I will be asap!!!
Just downloaded this from his site -- Love it! Can't wait for the album to come out!
I've just played the new music from Christian's MySpace page over and over - and simply canNOT get enough of it! It's Simply Brilliant! I especially love the song written by Whitney Duncan and her cousin Johnathan: "Making Circles." (She tweeted about this.)
Do you think Bob Ezrin would have had Christian make a toned down version for sale to the radio stations?? Pop stations block individual lyrics... is this not EVER done on Country Radio? I'd be interested in knowing.
Thanks for letting the people know about this brilliant EP.
Peace. --De
It's about time that Christian Kane got the recognition he so richly deserves. His voice and his songwriting are as good as it gets! I hope that others not familiar with Christian yet will come to appreciate this talented man like his fans do!
Downloaded my copy from itunes @ 12:01am on the 9th, had it on my MP3 by 12:15.... LOVE IT! Christian Kane is BRILLIANT!
I love all of the songs but American Made and Making Circles is my favorites.
Omg I really love this CD CK has done a brilliant job on it. Trust me if u havent downloaded it please do u won't be disapointed i swear he is such an amazing singer i love him and he also a brilliant actor too!!!!! Can't wait for season three on Leverage it's gonna be AWSOME YEAH HOOOOOOOO. =D
Sorry to say I liked the original versions of these songs better. They are way over produced now. And LET ME GO was ruined by the guitar solo at the end!!!! (I had to put it in protools and fade it out just so I could listen to it!)....go back to your roots Christian, please stop with the over production
I love this album. I like the original versions just fine, but I have really enjoyed the smoothness of the new songs; it's very easy to sing along with them. And that's a bit of a problem. LOL I'm glad the CK has stayed true to his visions, etc., but sooner or later, I'm going to goof and sing "Making Circles" somewhere I shouldn't. I really wish he had said screwed instead!! Oh well. LOL
This EP is so much better then I could have hoped for. I've been a huge fan of Christians since the early years and I'm thrilled beyond belief that he's finding sucess while doing things his way. How Country Radio continues to ignore him is beyond me. He's such a rockin' breath of fresh air in a cookie cutter Country Music World. Keep doing it your way Christian! Your fans love and thank you for this! Hopefully he'll make your way to the East Coast sometime soon so your fans over here can observe your greatness live..
I just have to say that while mainstream radio may stay clear of some of the songs my local radio station in San Antonio, Texas has already played "The House Rules" on air a few times which made me so happy. Hopefully the rest of radio will follow suit!