Martin Zellar Albums (3)
'The Many Moods of Martin Zellar & The Hardways'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 10
Label Owen Lee
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What The Critics Say
Counting his releases with the Gear Daddies, this can be considered Minnesota roots-rocker Martin Zellar's fifth album. It is easily his most realized work in every way, whether performance, songwriting, musicianship or production. Behind the often bright catchy melodies and various styles -- ranging from Springsteen-influenced pop rock, to hard-core country, hard driving rave-ups, as well as a dash of bluegrass and touch of R&B -- there's a lot of heartache and lost confidence going on, mixed with childhood memories of a simpler time. But one has to pay attention to get it. Carolyn," has an exquisite arrangement and may be the stunner of the album. It begins with a classical string duet and easily slips into a straight-ahead country groove with a piano that could've been lifted from any Billy Sherrill session for Tammy Wynette. The strings slip back in on the bridge, but now they sound totally country; or do they? The almost jaunty honky tonk beat is in direct contrast with the lyrics where a man is begging his love not to leave. This lyrical theme of confusion and loss is continued on "Time and Time Again," where Zellar's gift for a catchy pop melody is quite evident. The song demonstrates his maturation as a songwriter who has learned his craft combining a neat use of repetition in the verse with a memorable chorus. In a just world, this would be a hit. Zellar's trademark vocal growl is still evident, but he has learned to control and use it to good effect. The album's closer "Marching Beside Him" will no doubt stun some fans and gain him others. Set to a marching beat, it is a totally uncompromising declaration of faith that recalls some of the sterner compositions on Dylan's "Slow Train Coming" and "Saved Albums." Initially startling, the conviction and sincerity of the performance are undeniable, bringing a very real album to an ultimately strong conclusion. ~ Peter Stone Brown, All Music Guide
'Martin Zellar & The Hardways'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 11
Label Rykodisc
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What The Critics Say
Martin Zellar was once lead singer of the Gear Daddies, a Minnesota outfit that sported one of the best band names of all time and garnered critical raves for two albums of gutsy, country-tinged songs filled with heartland angst. Zellar's fine solo debut continues the GDs' basic musical and lyrical themes; twangy roadhouse rock alternates with unabashed honky-tonk balladry, and real-life working class concerns dominate the lyrics. Yeah, the album cover looks like it was lifted from a J. Crew catalogue, but don't be fooled: Zellar is heir to a long and distinguished tradition of gritty, world-weary songwriting, and there's nothing faked or pretentious in his writing or his delivery. Well, almost nothing. Actually, his vocal style is a bit grating -- he pinches his vowels and whines through his nose in a way that comes across for all the world like a teenager trying to sound like a Delta bluesman. The delivery is especially intrusive on the otherwise beautiful "Falling Sky" and on "Problem Solved," an affecting portrait of an abusive relationship which the narrator must watch helplessly. The lyrics are consistently the best thing on this album: Zellar's impeccable sense of detail means that you never know when he's going to kick you in the gut, and there's no preparing for lines like "See you running for the bus/You're six months pregnant, clothes don't fit/I think my heart is going to bust." If he'd just drop the artificially strangled growl he imposes on every song, this album would be better than good. But it's solidly good nevertheless. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
