Music
Press
Fran King's "Beautification" is a masterwork of creative melancholy & bittersweet harmonic content, that tugs at the very heart-strings of the listener
In a cut like "Fine Day" with its Acoustic Guitars & strong melody, the enigmatic voice of Mr. King is an undeniable stamp of majestic frequencies, that summon forth the reflective echo of The Beatles
"Misunderstood" is another prime example of the chord configurations & chromatic scales that scream out in a most melodic way, as if effortlessly manifested in sonic sound
"Save It (for another day)" has the warmth & sultry attitude, even within a heartbreaking situation ; Speaking miles of emotional verse in such an unpretentious way
With Mr. King's magnetic Vox, this music is surely some of the best work that we've heard in quite some time. No kidding…
Why would this be so in the first place
Because Fran King's muse, rises head & shoulders above the dissonant shrill of imitation & mild altering substances ; This only serves to elevate the megalomaniac tendencies, prevalent in today's lack of true substance & unique original artistry
It's not that we're becoming jaded to the compositional zeal or lack there of ; It's just so comforting to know that real talent is out there in pure mercurial manifestation
Fran King is the real thing, take a listen & see for yourself
"Main (exit 35)" is yet another sonic elixir that translates into pure listening enjoyment ; Thanks to the arrangement & structure of Mr. King's muse
At every turn & twisting nuance of tapestry, Fran King fails not to amaze in the seamless magic of his music
"Never Enough" is a fitting hyperbole for us, as we simply can't get enough of this kind of music, that reminds one of the true hybrids of Pop,Rock,Folk & AAA
Fran King's uncanny audio-vision, reminds one of Paul McCartney's first solo work, without pretension
Even more so at times, Fran King evokes feelings & emotions that transcend the mundane infinitely. But what do we know…
Check Out Fran King's music. You will not be disappointed in the least. - United Global Artists (U.S.A.)
"King has the ability to write doctoral studies in pop craftsmanship.." - www.notlame.com
Frans debut Album Beautification is an assured collection of sun-kissed shimmery pop/rock, equal parts Crowded House and Elvis Costello, with a smattering of Elliott Smith and Brendan Benson thrown in for good measure.... infectious..
SEVEN/TEN
Hotpress (Irish Music Industry Bible)
For full review check out www.hotpress.ie - Hotpress Ireland
"Sublimely beautiful songs that slow burn their way to your heart"- DUBLIN MAIL
"Somewhat of a raritie these days, strong melodies, a very fine debut.."- DAILY MIRROR
"He had me after the album's beautiful intro, worthy of international exposure.." - ECHO
- National Irish Press
"There's an art to great songwriting, Fran doesn't have to work at it, one of the things that makes this album great!" - 2Fm (National Broadcaster ireland)
I like the sound of this CD. A very dry vocals brings to mind Emitt Rhodes and McCartney. Great melodies and chord changes prevail on this CD. I especially like " Misunderstood". Well done Fran! Steve ( Melody Magazine,U.S.A. ) - Melody Magazine (U.S.A.)
Discography
"Beautification" (Head Space Records HSFK01) 2005
first single from album "Never Enough" june 2005
Second single from album "fine day" May 2007
Photos
Bio
"Beautification" is the critically acclaimed debut solo album from Dublin Pop / Rock Artist Fran King. The album has received rave reviews since its release in Ireland in June 2005. Fran is a former member of Beach , who scored a top twenty hit in 1997 with their debut single. Fran left the band in summer 1999 to pursue a solo career and commence work on his debut album. He's worked with many talented people along the way, including the worlds most successful producer, Sir George Martin, with whom he performed three sell out shows in Dublins National Concert Hall with a full orchestra in October 1999. He's guested in the past in the Studio / Live with: Brendan Benson, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), David Mead, Tears for Fears, Texas, World Party, Sugababes ..to name only a few. He's completed two short film soundtracks (one with Duncan Maitland, his good friend and producer whos worked with the likes of XTC & Colin Hare of sixties legends The Honeybus). One of these soundtracks won a top award in Italy! Fran's a seasoned musician & performer who's played to an estimated 70,000 people @ O2 in the Park in summer 2004, as well as every major venue in Ireland. He's just returned from a very successful run of shows in New York ( Beautification has already sold out four times on-line in America since his return!). He's a regular visitor to the Big Apple, a lot of the album was penned there. In May 2006 Fran appeared to an estimated television audience of 1.8 Billion in Athens, Greece, as part of Irish singer songwriter Brian Kennedy's band in an international song festival. A second single from his album was released in August Ireland. It's titled "fine day", and will also be available on-line (Keep an eye out on his My Space profile for an exclusive look at the video). Summer 2006 was spent both on the road and in the Studio, bringing Beautification to a new audience and test driving some new songs. Two successful North American tours ended 2006. 2007 begins with Fran back in the studio recording a Lullaby album with American Artist Nancy Falkow. Another American tour in May, followed by recording sessions for album no: 2 in June. Below are a number of links where you can purchase this fine record.. www.cdbaby.com/cd/franking www.notlame.com www.koolkatmusik.com The official Fran King homepage is located at: www.franking.tv Recent Press / Media Reviews: "Sun kissed shimmery pop/rock, equal parts Brendan Benson & Elvis Costello with old school love songs, infectious.."- HOT PRESS "Sublimely beautiful songs that slow burn their way to your heart"- DUBLIN MAIL "Somewhat of a rarity these days, strong melodies, a very fine debut.."- DAILY MIRROR "He had me after the album's beautiful intro, worthy of international exposure.." - ECHO "I like the sound of this CD. A very dry vocal sound brings to mind Emitt Rhodes and McCartney. Great melodies and chord changes prevail on this CD. I especially like " Misunderstood". Well done to Fran."- Steve ( MELODY MAGAZINE,U.S.A. ) "Sophisticated adult pop, If youre a fan of David Mead & Neil Finn, you'll love this record, one of my top twenty of 2005"- ABSOLUTEPOWERPOP.COM "King has the ability to teach doctoral studies in pop craftsmanship"- NOTLAME.COM
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