After
two great CDs with Go, Dog! Go, Oliver moved from Buffalo to attend graduate
school and go through other changes in his life, and started writing and
recording “Yin and Yanxiety” several years ago. He has returned to perform
several Buffalo shows, with progress and changes in his news songs and added to
a couple of older ones not previously recorded. Oliver’s talent and regard
among other musicians showed with the quality of collaborators, from longtime
bassist/singer/jack of all trades Michael Swain, keyboardist/vocalist Paul
Zablotski and vocalist Erin O’Brien to singer/songwriter Alexandra (Lynne)
Arnold, guitarist Jim Whitford (live) and drummer Howard Fleetwood Wilson III.
While
there are several excellent songs here, it is easy for me to pick a standout,
the thick, dreamy, slightly sinister “Stranger from Another Planet.” Using
virtual free verse, random comparisons and stream of conscious vocals and
lyrics, Oliver sings of current thoughts and problems, and questions where to
turn. Apparently, one place is to someone from elsewhere, and whether it is
heavenly or gallacticly derived he leaves up to the listener, something Oliver
has been successful with for years. Whether this comes from a dream, reality or
some kind of inspiration is also left to the listener.
An
example of Oliver’s smart, economic approach to pop rock and power pop is the
CD opener, “Complicated,” tough, snarling, melodic music, with particularly
nasty lead guitar from Michael Lee Jackson accompanying commentary on technology,
personal communications and understanding, including matters of the heart and
soul. “Love While It Lasted” continues Oliver’s accurate depictions of romantic
relationships ending and people carrying on, a riff and harmonizing
vocal-loaded pop rocker on which he won’t deny they had a great thing but
admits it is over. “This Close to Heaven” mines the same basic upbeat musical
territory but adds a smile-provoking Brian May (Queen) lead guitar riff from
Swain, illustrating a successful relationship. “Picture This,“ an old favorite
of many longtime Oliver fans, has him thankful for being in love and having
someone special to share it with; sometimes, it’s all you need.
The
better slower, sadder songs include “One More Day,” with Oliver’s aching vocals
and guitar detailing the pain of loss, loneliness and introspection, nicely
colored by Zablotski’s keyboard and T.J. Zindle’s trumpet. “I’m Alright Now,”
which ends “Yin & Yanxiety,” shows Oliver to still be alive and kicking after
the end of something deeply involving and long lasting. Easy acoustic guitar,
light rhythm section and accordion aptly accompany him.
It
is interestingly, but smartly, presented after the majestic, soaring, pained
rock of another Oliver classic finally appearing on an official recording,
“Setting Sun.” The song goes breathtakingly from a slow, barely-audible start
to crashing climax (like a great Neil Young song) on Oliver’s trials, errors,
attempts, failures and wondering if he is going in the right direction or even
going anywhere. Lost loves, friendships, faith and realizing he has to move on
are delivered around stately crashing guitars, swelling keyboards and finally
the entire band. As good as it sounds on CD, Oliver almost enters another realm
when he plays this live, ripping every emotion and note out of his guitar and
song.
For
more information on acquiring the CD and related items, contact
www.michaeloliver.us.
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