Remy de laroque

Artful pop is an uncommon commodity in a world dominated by Justin, Christina and the masses molded in their likeness. French-born, New York City-based Remy De Laroque delivers plenty of substance on his latest offering, Carol's On My Mind. The title track is not an ode to a lost lover, but a reference to the September 11th tragedy. It's a unique and eloquent reaction to the events of that day that tells the story of the songwriter's daughter's favorite doll. In the midst of walking ten blocks through the dust and destruction of the collapsing buildings, Remy's daughter quickly found comfort in her doll, Carol. "Carol's On My Mind" is the uncommon perspective-adjustment that can actually change the way we see the world. Remy's heartfelt songwriting, acoustic strumming and fingerpicking are perfectly complemented by an electric guitar and full backing band and vocal harmonies. "Can't Shut Down" features a blistering, feedback-filled solo and tasteful touches of sax. Remy De Laroque is truly gifted and finds healing in his songs. "Don't Stand In the Rain" sums-up Remy's healing spirit: "would you hear my voice, and let me sooth you, those tears, they'll depart you."
© Rick Gebhard
minor7th
- Minor 7th

Carol's On My Mind • self-released • The name is a little hard to remember, but his voice isn't. This singer-songwriter originally from Paris isn't doing anything innovative, but it's nice mellow melodic indie pop for the soul. Lyrically he touches on love, friends, his daughter and even witnessing the events of September 11, since he currently resides in New York City. He picks up the tempo on some tracks and shows his vocal range as well. (MP)
IMPACT
- Impact

Very good CD from what i've heard so far. I want to play 1 track of it tonight..
Thanks..
Dan
Radio Crystal Blue - Radio Crystal blue.com

This French-born, NY-based singer-songwriter's second album was the single best surprise of my year. It came in a see-through plastic sleeve, the track titles inked onto two sticky labels in block letters. On the outside, it reeked of the kind of delusional amateurism that all Splendid writers learn to recognize in their first month on the job. But, to quote Bo Diddley (among others), "You can't judge a book by its cover." This is a haunting, wonderful disc by a guy who writes, sings and plays better than lots of the slick-packaged acts that occasionally make it our way. As a bonus surprise, he brings a real, functioning band and thick non-bedroomy sound to all but two of the tracks.

Remy De Laroque has an easy, unforced, slightly rough-edged voice that recalls Ray Davies on some tracks ("Tell the World"), Peter Gabriel on others ("Au Seuil du Monde"). His songs float on a light bed of hooks that seem unsubstantial, but quickly stick in your head. The title track, for instance, has the breezy lilt of a Brazilian pop song, effortlessly burying its subtle melody in your subconscious. "Can't Shut Down" starts with a heavier, brooding verse, then slants upward toward the sunshine in its chorus.

De Laroque was born in Paris, but writes in English, occasionally translating his songs back into French. "Au Seuil du Monde", the lone Francophone tune, is dark and mysterious until it erupts into pop happy do-do-dos.

The disc's highlight is a bare ache of a track, the voice-and-guitar-only beauty of "How Will I Sow". Sung to a daughter, its halting notes and carefully picked strings capture the sadness of broken families, the pain of explaining why daddy doesn't live at home anymore. Here, and in the closing track, "Breathing", De Laroque inhabits the same emotive space as Jeff Buckley, wringing meaning out of tone and silence.

This is beautiful stuff, hidden in a plain white wrapper. An email revealed that De Laroque is working on more professional packaging, and I hope it will be available before my deadline. In the meantime, don't let the outside fool you.
-- Jennifer Kelly

- Splendid.com

http://remydelaroque.free.fr/ArticleRemy.jpg - France-Amerique