What kind of twilight zone of a music world do we live in where a talent like Richard X. Heyman goes largely unnoticed except by a few well informed critics? RXH is a virtual one man band, writing and playing mostly everything. His musicianship, experience, and skill as a songwriter is unquestioned. And, as one might surmise from the play on words of the record's title, he's quite the witty lyricist.
"Actual Sighs" is a bright, peppy party that makes your speakers dance through a staggering 20 tracks - just under 70 minutes of music. RXH really mixes it up on this one, bouncing between musical genres effortlessly like some sort of veteran musical speed dater. The multitude of instruments scattered throughout the tracks on this record keeps each song sounding fresh and different from the last. I hear a lot of the spirit of Fleetwood Mac or Bruce Springsteen with his E Street Band - big bold sound, a carnival and celebratory atmosphere. Most of the songs are epic and dramatic - good time rock and roll, through and through.
Vocally, RXH sounds a lot like Elvis Costello and John Hiatt, but honestly he is in a class of his own. I think he does a flattering Bob Dylan on the blues numbers such as "Twelve Bars and I Still Have the Blues" and "RXH's Love in the First Person Blues". But then he can do something like Alan Parson's Project on harmony laden gems like "Written All Over My Face". Then he sounds like The Smithereens on "In A Boxcar" and "When Giants Fall", and channels XTC on "Mr. Murphy's Son". My favorite is "Hoosier", but more for the brilliant harmonies and catchy chorus hook than the fact that I live in Indy.
"Actual Sighs" actually is a debut CD of sorts...long story short it is re-recordings of the original six tracks that were to be RXH debut in 1986, but he's included 1, 2, no 14 (!) more additional tracks, making this more of a bona fide new release with a bonus EP attached. You need not concern yourself with where the record fits into RXH's impressive discography...just spin it and enjoy. RXH clearly is having the time of his life making music, and the fun is contagious with each listen.
iPOD-worthy: 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19
Richard X. Heyman: Official site.
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