Guitar For Sale

Ray Scott

2017 - Jethropolitan Records. In the jewel case, it states that Ray Scott loves all kinds of music, especially hard core country and rock-n-roll.  He does his best to mix the two, but it just comes out sounding cruel to the unfamiliar ear. Majority of the album is overly produced.  The mix between vocals and instrumentals is quite off, so much so that it comes out sounding like noise rather than a good song.  A good blend between vocals and instrumentals can create a well composed song, even though the lyrics may not make any sense.  Speaking of lyrics, the structure of  many of the songs on here is disappointing as the songwriters utilize too much rhyme to create a cadence more than a melody.  Case in point the song “Growing Old,” where the larger part of the lyric structure is based on rhyming with the next stanza rather than creating a story within the song.  The situation in his song “The Fire” is one of excessive electric guitar riffs. Back in the day, songs often contained an instrumental break and it is nice to hear it again. Now, I am one for a great guitar riff and it doesn’t matter if it comes from an electric, acoustic or steel.  Nonetheless, as you listen to the song you are drawn more to the electric guitar than you are the storyline.  However, perhaps the biggest default on this album comes with Ray’s vocals.  Throughout this project he displays a limited vocal effectiveness.  His baritone vocals could become hypnotic if he is so inclined to gain the help from a well known professional vocal coach. Furthermore, if you listen closely, you can hear the nervousness and anxiety in which Ray Scott brings to this project.  The entire album contains a feel of apprehension and not entertainment. Other songs include “Livin’ This Way,” “Put Down The Bottle,” “Put Down That Gun,” “Worth Killin’ For,” “Life Ain’t That Long Enough,” “Doin’ Me Wrong” and the title cut. There are two songs that sort of stand out and they include “Soberin’ Up” and a partially sounding comedic song with “Pray For The Fish.” Neither are worthy of purchase.  I am not ready to write this singer off.  I have a feeling that if the right person should take him under their wing, as Sam Phillips did with many artists, he could emerge as the next major traditional country artist.  As is, this one is for the circular file.  $-$$

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