Quirky Herky Cutler disc released

"Love is Like a Chicken" features some stellar local talent
Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

"Love is like a chicken" (album)
Herky Cutler
****
recommended for:  folk/rock enthusiasts
bottom line: A solid disc of original and entertaining folk/pop/blues

CD available via www.herkycutler.com

for full review click "read more"
Herky Cutler's new CD, "Love is like a Chicken" begins in style with "Crazy teenage love", a fun 50's- style throwback of a song.  It's a catchy tune that feels familiar even on the first listen. Things really click into gear with the song "First of fall".  It's a smooth groove, rounded out with some tasty percussion touches and sweet backup vocals by Jocelyn Hobbs, who appears throughout the album. "For Mitch" is a message tune, rocking a bit harder and showcasing the slick lead guitar work of Francis Krizan, who was one of the unexpected delights of this disc for me. "Unusual Lovers" is a rather pedestrian white-boy-blues that misses the mark.  It's a song looking for a purpose and not up to the higher standards set by the majority of Herky's lyrics.  It lacks the wry attitude that makes songs like "Crazy teenage love" sparkle.  "Mexico" is also rather predictable in places.  "Middle of our love" is a sweet little love ditty, perfect for holding hands and reminiscing.  Affirmations like this are a Cutler specialty.
If this was a vinyl record, the next song would probably kick off side two, and appropriately so.  "Love is like a chicken" is the only song Cutler didn't write by himself, sharing the songwriting credit with Brooke Warner.  Krizan grinds away in the background, Paul Holden's bass playing is meaty and in your face.  This song would make a perfect companion to the Beach Boys' "Vegetables" or Ron Hilton's "Ketchup soup."  It clucks along at a good pace, and you can dance to it.
"Queen of my dreams" is one of my favorite cuts on the disc.  Slinky slide, solid groove, an interesting mix on Hobbs backup vocals, it's one of those songs designed for a sunny Sunday drive.  "Paperbox heroes" addresses the death of Diana, or more accurately the way we as a culture create two dimensional heroes "not always based on who they are but rather what they do".  It's the other side of the mirror to Elton John's "Candle in the Wind". It's a very strong cut, showcasing Evan Schaaf's fine keyboard work.
"Spider and the fly" is just plain groovy, with solid organ work and some fun spider/fly vocal bits.
The album closes with "Where are we going", another strong effort.  If I were to pick one song that demonstrates Herky's worldview best, on this disc this would be the one.  Cutler and Hobbs' vocals are particularly strong, Krizan shines, and the band provides a solid groove for the top-notch lyrics.

If this was a vinyl record, I'd be recommending playing side two, starting with "Love is like a chicken".  There are some solid tracks on "side one", but I really enjoyed the way the last five songs are sequenced.

Bottom line, this is a solid folk-rock-pop-bluesy effort by Cutler and his band. Kyle Harmon's drumming is solid throughout.  Next time, I would like to hear more from saxophonist Dino Schavo.  Scott Mezei's dobro is a nice touch when it appears. The production values are quite high for an independent effort. The disc shines brightest when not talking itself too seriously, and luckily for us Cutler rarely does.  Pop it in the car cd player and take a drive.  I expect to hear some of the stronger cuts like "Paperbox heroes", the title track, "Spider and the fly", and "Queen of my dreams" on CKUA and similar stations.  A couple of these tracks are strong enough and slick enough to make it onto mainstream radio.

visit www.herkycutler.com for more information
visit www.sonicbids.com/herkycutler to read the lyrics
visit www.myspace.com/herkycutler or www.reverbnation.com/herkycutler to hear some of his music