Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"Intelligent pop/folk rock is never less than genial and engaging and often is more. In the case of "Face of Love"- animated by a chiming rhythm-guitar line- it might even move you beyond mere admiration and up onto your feet. Canty's acoustic-guitar-driven relationship songs owe much to the Wallflowers and David Gray.. Canty shows enough promise to suggest he'll grow into something quite arresting." - BOSTON HERALD REVIEW
"NO ORDINARY LIFE should get Canty attention.. Full of radio friendly melodies.. a mellow mix of country-pop acoustic flourishes and light rock guitar, the songs are solid and enthusiastic while maintaining a simple bed on which Canty spreads his graceful, earnest baritone on highlights 'Can't Always Go Home' and 'I Don't Mind At All.. ready for airplay" - PORTSMOUTH HERALD
By Pat Keating
Chris Canty has been making noise on the singer/songwriter circuit for years. He has played Boston's best intimate venues, earning a loyal fan base eager for this debut. With bassy vocals married to a telecaster's timbre, Canty's colors show shades of Bruce Springsteen and The Wallflowers. His lyrics are highly original and complement some proverbial roots-rock elements exceedingly well.
Although its scenery is familiar, "No Ordinary Life" sets course on an extraordinary journey. "Hold," the first track, depicts the dreams of an average commuter. An uplifting chorus and melodic guitars cast out the soul-less mundane of the everyday.
"Can't Always Go Home", a heartfelt reminder of infidelity's cost, could keep more men at home than "Fatal Attraction." This track has been a fan favorite at live shows for years. Yet, this version sounds fresh and revitalized with the accompaniment of a full band.
With lyrics like, "...you can't always go home/sometimes you're your own," the song "Can't Always Go Home" deceives us with its simplicity. Canty never quite reveals the accused or the accuser in this melodrama. One is left caring about the characters in this song. Canty has begun to demonstrate that he is not only a great artist, but also a great storyteller.
"Shade of My Heart" is a romantic love song. For anyone who has had a loved one come into their life and change everything for the better, this song will be a soundtrack to welcome memories. Its tuneful guitar track is unforgettable. The emotion, lyrics and instrumentation are in perfect harmony.
"Face of Love" is another mid-tempo rocker. Its lyrics are as beguiling as they are introspective and well written. However, the best songs are saved for close to last.
"Waiting on Love" is a haunting plea. Its desperate story draws and driving rhythm blend well. The beat and guitar work well to push forth a very easily visualized and engaging story. Don't look for a happy ending here. This song is the anticipation of something better in the face of daily disaster. Continued...
The title track has a stunning guitar riff that piques one's interest immediately. It is one of the harder rocking tunes on the disc. As a title track should, it seems to encapsulate the dichotomy of heartbreak and hopefulness that resonates throughout "No Ordinary Life."
Finally, "Get Up, Get Out" is by far the most memorable cut on this particular album. Its car commercial fun contrasts well against the disc's more somber reflections. The feel is light and the guitar is airy. The chorus is a stirring cheer, embracing the unexpected and leaving itself open to the possibility that life can keep getting better. Although life might, the disc can't improve on this instant classic.
This radio-ready rocker is one of the best I have heard in years. Canty has exceeded the high expectations of fans and is certain to silence critics. With this stunning debut, "No Ordinary Life" establishes Chris Canty as no ordinary artist. Don't be the last to own this extraordinary work by Boston's newest star. - Babson Free Press
Discography
No Ordinary Life, 2003 - (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/canty)
Worthwhile (EP), 2002
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Chris Canty combines thought-provoking lyrics and a high-powered sound to create his signature acoustic-driven music. Chris's songs resonate with emotion, yet are not so heavy-handed as to pull a crowd down. It doesn't matter whether you're a twenty-something experiencing your first heartbreak or love, or you've been around the block a few times, you're going to relate to the hope, loss and love that are in Chris's songs. The music is heart-felt, energetic, and inclusive. You will walk out of a live performance uplifted, energized and satisfied.
Currently, Chris and his band are preparing new material for an upcoming full-length release. Chris's first full-length CD, No Ordinary Life, was released in 2003. The CD release party sold out in one week.
Songs from No Ordinary Life - "Can't Always Go Home", "Face of Love", and "Get Up, Get Out" - have been heard on over 100 radio stations across the US, including such prominent Boston radio stations as WBCN, WBOS and WXRV.
"Can't Always Go Home" was licensed to AOL/Time Warner to promote Prince Charming, a Turner Original Movie on TNT.
"Soul", from the Worthwhile EP, was licensed to promote TNT's airing of Jerry McGuire.
In 2005, "I Don't Mind At All" and "Can't Always Go Home" had Top 10 and Top 20 appearances on Garageband.com's Americana chart, respectively.
Chris and the musicians that round out the Chris Canty Band, are accomplished live and studio performers, yet they're also a group of regular guys, (e.g. Dave Matthews Band) with whom you could easily grab a beer with after the gig. The band is accessible and unpretentious, just like the music.
Booking agents take note, this band is versatile when it comes to performing. Depending on the venue and occasion, the band can be broken down into a two piece acoustic guitar duo, acoustic trio, or a full-out 4 piece rock band. Chris has countless solo acoustic performances under his belt and has twice traveled to Ireland for a series of gigs.
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