Tiny Television “Mission Statement” (Independent, 2009)

Excellent debut that begs to be heard

The onward march of corporate claptrap and management consultants has devalued the purpose of the mission statement. Originally a brief description of what one does (we sell stuff!) it has descended into a remarkable vapidity, full of gobbledegook and buzz words such as vision, hope, passion, service, customer and journey. On this Mission Statement Colorado musician Jeremy D’Antonio and his band members deliver a solid honest to goodness album which simply put is a great collection of songs.

Opening with 'Murder ballad' we are immediately in Americana country, not a place, more a state of mind, hard to describe but easily recognised and the opening bars of this song with a tumbleweed dobro and wearied vocal put Tiny Television on the map.

The remainder of the album is not so dusty but there are numerous highlights with the dobro prominent again on the skiffle-ish 'Hallelujah' which has a Bakersfield feel to it. Elsewhere the slow organ groove of 'Rose Coloured Sunsets' and 'How Long's piano and pedal steel add a touch of classy pop sensibility and the relaxed swagger on 'Be With Me' all indicate a talent with a sure hand on the tiller and a cargo load of potential. In addition D’Antonio has a great voice, pitched somewhere between Sal Valentino and Ryan Adams, and the support from his players is sure and sympathetic. This is perhaps best expressed in 'C.R.E.A.M' which is a sublime, sexy, funky country ballad with some excellent steel guitar.

Date review added:  Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
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Related web link:  HD Ready Tiny Television