Dick Prall
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Dick Prall

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Band Americana Singer/Songwriter

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"Soaring Melodies Meet Stacked Guitars"

On fizzlebuzzie, Dick Prall has captured the excitement of youth. Lyrics about girls in backless dresses or records through headphones convey the headiness of life and independence and feeling cool for the first time.

Soaring melodies meet stacked electric guitars throughout much of the album. Prall’s vocals switch from deadpan to gorgeous falsetto to wolf-like howl, as instruments give added meaning to lyrics. In “Barely Moving,” upbeat drums whip the song into a frenzy, only to drop out and make way as a slow cello implies stillness. “Grand Marquee” proffers vocals and acoustic guitar for an entire minute and then the band kicks in as Prall sings “the stereo is playing on my 45 stacks.” A real gem is “Great Admirer,” with a perfect balance of bass, drums and guitar as Prall describes a girl he admires from afar. Suddenly we’re broadsided by a horn section to augment the angst of unrequited love. With cool surprises like these, fizzlebuzzie is a box of chocolates for your ears.
- Performing Songwriter


"Among the greatest of 2005"

Once again taking up the moniker he’s carried since birth, Dick Prall emerges with Fizzlebuzzie, the follow up to 2001’s Dressing Up the Failure. Released under the Starch Martins pseudonym and despite being one of the finer pop albums released so far this decade, Dressing was inexplicably ignored by radio and record labels alike, enjoying only a limited regional following. While showing amazing growth in songwriting caliber and musicality, Fizzlebuzzie lacks the pop punch of Dressing, instead emphasizing Prall’s signature introspective lyricism, and trading pop power for a more grown up and eclectic mix of pop flavored with strings, horns and keyboards.

Consisting of several songs written during the waning days of the Starch Martins and songs that Prall has been playing live over the past several years solo acoustic, the disc shows what well thought out arrangements, poured-over details and the help of great musicians can do for songs that already stand on their own.

Recorded twice due to management changes, Fizzlebuzzie shows the advantages of not over-producing. Each track feels personal and alive rather than being calculated and detached, and were thankfully not corrected by added hours of studio and mixing time.

Highlights include the slow and easy “Great Admirer.” which makes its way into a horn-laden wind up. The brisk, hooky and emotionally charged “Barely Moving” is punctuated with superb strings. “Grand Marquee,” perhaps autobiographically, reflects back to a time when music softened the edges of a young man’s life. “Maybe You’re a Heart” offers the most achingly beautiful melody offered on a pop record to date. Finally, just when you thought that pop power wasn’t going to make an appearance, the album crescendos with “Book of Songs,” “Floors” and “Learning to Merge,” the latter providing an energizing force that carries the album out in finest style.

Prall may suffer by dropping the Starch Martins name and the recognition it had garnered, but he certainly won’t suffer by exposing his songwriting mettle to the masses and proclaiming his place among the greatest albums of 2005. Fizzlebuzzie may be an odd title for an album, but there is certainly nothing odd about its contents, pop genius and strong lyrics, all of which will surely put this Midwest favorite on the tips of tongues everywhere.
- randomville.com


"Good hooks, strong lyrics"

Former Starch Martins front man Dick Prall goes it alone on the mysteriously named album Fizzlebuzzie. The album comes off as an autobiographical piece, with tales of indecision (“Learning to Merge”), the maturing process (“Saturday’s Changed”), or wanting a love that is already taken by another (“Great Admirer”). In short, Prall knows what we all go through, provides a forum for us to examine it, offering no solutions, but instead extending empathy and a wry smile.

Prall’s vocals are faintly nasal, somewhat in the Elvis Costello mode with a dash of Bleu and Joel Henderson popping up from time to time. The plaintive nature works best on tunes like “Book of Songs,” a tribute to unqualified love. “Barely Moving” is the standout musically, providing the right backdrop to Prall’s voice. “Great Admirer” starts out slowly, then builds to a climax that recalls the days of Phil Spector’s production, rife with horns.
“Grand Marquee” recalls the days that those over thirty will remember fondly, before the Internet, before MTV, before compact discs, and when radio station would play anything:

The stereo is playing on
The 45 stacks
Track after track
God, I miss those headphones
Pressing in my ears
Year after year
Wipe off the vinyl and turn it on
Louder than bombs…

Prall, like many Generation X-ers, has a healthy hold on the nostalgia of his youth, and the introspection of knowing how things might have been, while still understanding the reality of today must be dealt with. Wistful, but not maudlin, Fizzlebuzzie will please those looking for a good hook, yet it will also satisfy fans of strong lyrics.
- phantomtollbooth.org


"A perfect score!"

Musicianship – 10 out of 10
If you’ve had the opportunity to hear any of Dick Prall’s previous releases, you know that it’s a given fact that he is a good musician. We have mentioned this before in all of the reviews we’ve done, so that is not a secret. The fact that amazed me when I listened to fizzlebuzzie, his latest album, was that he also surrounds himself with equally talented musicians! The same great players that joined him for his Acoustic EP are on-board for this record; in addition, he also brought in new musicians who add their own special touches, and help to flesh out the already full sound (listen to the song (Great Admirer), for example). Dick’s vocals are also first-rate on fizzlebuzzie; honestly, the vocal on (Maybe You’re a Heart) moves me every time I hear it! The combination of musical skill and vocal talent is a one-two punch that totally impresses me! Dick Prall is an outstanding musician!

Songwriting – 10 out of 10
In my opinion, this is the point where Mr. Prall’s talent shines brightest. His songs, whether written for a solo project, or for a band, all have a similar sound. I can’t totally put my finger on the quality that makes me think his writing is so special; all I can say is that his songs exhibit some of the same qualities of those written by the Beatles, considered to be some of the greatest songwriters of our time! The chord progressions and melodies sound like things the Beatles could have written, but didn’t! High praise, I know; I just don’t know how to express it any other way!

In addition to his musical abilities as a songwriter, he is also able to write interesting lyrics! For me, his songs show a depth of emotion that not every songwriter can tap into. He also seems to have a lot of passion for the subjects in his songs, whether it be a person, a thing, or a concept. That quality is my favorite, and probably the reason I am moved by his music!

Sound Quality/Professionalism – 10 out of 10
I don’t think anything other than a perfect score would be sufficient for Dick Prall with regard to sound quality and professionalism! fizzlebuzzie sounds excellent, and is the product of a great artist, great engineer, and great producer. All three players seem to be working from the same script, because they not only produce music that sounds good, they produce music that the listener becomes emotionally invested in! Musical experiences like this are few and far between, so when you encounter them, you remember them! That said, this CD is one that I will remember, and count among my favorites for a very long time!

Packaging – 9 out of 10
fizzlebuzzie isn’t just a good-sounding CD; it’s a good-looking CD, too! In fact, I only discounted my rating by one point, and that was because I had to go looking for lyrics on Dick’s website. Aside from that minor point, the CD is done very well, with great art/graphics and all the information you might want (minus the lyrics). I know… I make way too big of a deal about missing lyrics in the liner notes! I guess artists figure that they have to give their listeners a good excuse to visit the band’s website!

Favorite Tracks
Maybe You’re a Heart
Grand Marquee
Book of Songs
Great Admirer
Barely Moving

Overall Rating – 10 out of 10
I know that the lower score in the area of packaging should ruin a perfect overall score, but I really can’t bring myself to do anything but give this CD a perfect score! Dick’s songwriting ability, smooth vocal performance, and excellent instrumental work is and should be the standard for which Indie artists strive to achieve!

I swear, if major labels and the world at large don’t pick up on Dick Prall’s music, and especially his work on fizzlebuzzie, I honestly won’t know what to think. The album has everything than an avid music fan looks for in a record: creative music, heartfelt lyrics, and professional production value. I would put this album on the shelf next to any major label release; better than that, I’d put this CD in my CD player before 99% of the stuff that the major labels are turning out today!

I’m not sure when it will happen, but I’m almost certain that it WILL! There isn’t any accounting for tastes, especially when it comes to music, but I think the album will do well, simply because it has an incredibly wide appeal across many genres. I definitely recommend that you get a copy of this album! Further, if you like your friends, make sure you play it for them, too! They will definitely thank you!

We have had the great pleasure of hearing nearly everything that Dick Prall has released; it is truly heartfelt when I say that I believe he is one of the best artists that I’ve ever heard, and a hell of a guy! As a music fan, I think you should get to know the music of Dick Prall; doing so is the first step toward knowing him as an artist, and as a person. When you get to know him, I think you’ll agree with me! —Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 3/2 - midwestbands.com


"Honest and impassioned"

Dick Prall, who previously recorded a terrific little disc - Dressing Up The Failure (2001) - under the moniker of The Starch Martins, returns with his own name and a fantastic record to boot! The roots-tinged pop of fizzlebuzzie is honest and impassioned, offering the songwriters intimate musings aloft organic and breezy guitar-driven musical waves. At times, he finds a sonic midway between Matthew Sweet and The Old 97s - each infectious in their own right. And Prall is no exception, as he extends both melody and mood with a natural ease, giving this well crafted release a swift, fluid feel. Maybe Youre A Heart provides the most intimate moment of the set with an acoustic based ballad of longing in hushed despair. But the exuberance of such standout tracks like the shimmering Saturdays Changed and the brisk Barely Moving could urge you confidently toward any leap of faith. - Miles of Music


"Superb collection of songs"

How do you create music that is at once accessible, hooky, rocking and meaningful? I couldn’t tell you, but I know it when I hear it, and it's name is fizzlebuzzie. Independent musician, Dick Prall, has created a superb collection of songs that are varied in theme and tempo with his beautifully rough hewn voice as the common thread tying it all together. Like your favorite rollercoaster, fizzlebuzzie takes your senses for a pleasure trip cranking up to the peak, releasing you to fly and then giving you time to relax before the next turn. The songwriting is top notch, uncompromising yet universal in nature. Prall has the uncanny knack to marry toe-tapping, pop melodies with thought – provoking lyrics covering such topics as the pain of growing up, the pain of being grown up and the passionate nature of love (requited and not so much). One of the best songs, ‘Floors,’ tells a personal story of domestic violence that leaves it’s mark in a big way. On the flip side, I defy you to not be won over by the anthemic ‘Grand Marquee,’ which is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in years.

The production has a live, organic feel owing to the fact that Prall enlisted the support of his live band mates whom all brought their A game to the studio. In addition, the songs come alive with some extra treats in the form of horns and cello used in just the right places to please the ear. This is the kind of CD you want to enjoy through a pair of high quality headphones just so you don’t miss the subtle sonic nuances scattered throughout. Video may have killed the radio star, but I do believe he has nine lives because he’s alive and well…and living in Chicago.
- waycoolmusic.net


"Professional sound, amazing acoustics"

He's got dark yet dreamy vocals as this album ala Pete Yorn, Alex Woodard or Wilco emerges with "Great Admirer." In it, he sings, "Consider me the great admirer/Laying low until she tires/Of his heavy hands/His promises, his plans/But don't believe him/He's just fooling again." And don't forget to check out "Maybe You're a Heart," a heartfelt, acoustic masterpiece with great bass lines and swift vocals. His sound is mature, but definitely worth checking out, due its professional sound, amazing acoustics (his guitarist played with Alice Peacock) and Prall's deep, well-toned vocals. - discoveringartists.com


"Effortless roots-pop"

Effortless roots-pop is a lot harder to write than it sounds, and Prall excels at morphing the smallest of melodic chunks into grandiose statements of purpose. Fans of Muse and Rhett Miller should find a like-minded audience here. - Time Out Chicago


Discography

Weightless (2007)
fizzlebuzzie (2005)
EP (2004)
Dressing Up the Failure (2001)
Somewhere About Here (1998)
Aware 9 Compilation

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Bio

Standing at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Abbey Road, Dick Prall is poised to cause a critical and commercial traffic jam. The wait is over, and the weight has been lifted.

After recently signing with Authentic Records - based in his home state of Iowa - Dick Prall is capitalizing on his growing following nationwide. His much-anticipated album, Weightless, evokes Ryan Adams and late Beatles, but is grounded by Prall's own "porch pop" genre of beautiful pop melodies inflected with a solid rock foundation. Ten tracks shine on Prall's fourth release produced by Joshua "The Colonel" Shapera (Veruca Salt, Verbow, R.Kelly). Musical great Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is featured on the album's single, "The Cornflakes Song," as well as "If It Bends," with vocal harmonies that match perfectly with Prall's melodies. "Halfway To Hollywood" and "B&W" are currently live show favorites and bring out the album's essence: the venting of untold life stories that have weighed heavily on him for the last three albums. Now that he has achieved master storyteller status, Dick Prall is finally, at long last, weightless.

The Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune and Time Out Chicago all agree that Dick Prall is an up-and-comer. He has performed alongside musical greats Jon Brion, Mike Doughty, Ari Hest, The Verve Pipe, Bobby Bare, Jr., Glen Phillips and Michelle Branch, to name a few, and he regularly tours with Iowa's favorite roots rockers, The Nadas. Volkswagen has included Prall's music on a six-month ad campaign; he's been featured on Ourstage.com and on MyTracks.com, and his tune "Sunshine Came" is the theme song to the movie soundtrack of 'Serial Loser.' Prall was featured on the cover of the Chicago Tribune's Redeye, and headlined a showcase at Austin's South By Southwest Festival 2007. He was named Illinois Entertainer's 2006 "Best of Around Here" and was subsequently featured on The Local Tourist, the Steve Levy Show, The Steve Dahl show, and Fearless Radio. The Chicago Sun-Times calls Prall's music "smart, introspective and filled with great hooks." "Prall excels at morphing the smallest of melodic chunks into grandiose statements of purpose." (Time Out Chicago). Performing Songwriter notes that "Prall has captured the excitement of youth... he's a real gem." With a new album and a new video for "B&W," not even gravity can hold Dick Prall down.