Do You Love Mr Rascal?
Mr Rascal and the Sunset
Mr Rascal are a Musicadium favourite.
Lead singer Christian Duell played at our launch party and their album - A Pocketful of Smoke - is an absolute cracker.
Mr Rascal have agreed to have their song ‘Let It Roll’ analysed and critiqued by the Musicadium family (and the world).
Tell us what do you think of ‘Let it Roll’?
September 8th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
For mine, this song is the standout on a really good album.Â
The harmonies are the song’s strongest point. The song probably falls into the folk/rock/country category but it’s a really powerful mixture and doesn’t slip into any of the tired cliches those genres can sometimes imply.
The production is strong and the track drives along on the back of that snare and organ combo.
Bravo Mr Rascal.
Nick
September 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I have to agree with Nick, the harmonies on this track (and throughout their album) are solid! Having shot their live photography (and the promo image above), I’ve had the privilege of being to quite a few of their gigs. Have to say, this talented bunch always deliver an impressive sound, both in the studio and live on stage.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Very cool song, it’s been some time since I’ve revisited the world of rock but from the introduction I’m already in love with it. The chorus rings out strong and clear, “Let it roll, let it rain down my soul” holding its drive until the very end of the track, the background harmony is haunting and further amplifies the overall mood of the song.
This is a great tune which will find its way onto a many Sunday afternoon session mixes!
September 10th, 2008 at 10:38 am
The track opens strong with the chorus lines and my attention is there straight away., however i feel almost as though i had dropped in mid track, this is quickly rectified with the first verse, its actually mildly refreshing that they have steered clear of the more classical song arrangements, defiantly a clever attention grabbing tactic, intentional or not.
I think the depth or meaning of the track for me initially are lost, largely due to the fact I feel I’m about to watch a country and western, however I can not deny that the consistently upbeat and repetitive nature to the track have me tapping my toe and singing the chorus by the second listen, so it defiantly has plenty of catch.
The track flows beautifully and overall my only genuine flaw for the track is whether or not I can take it seriously, I think somewhere in the attempt at capturing something unique andâ€vintage chic†the actual meaning behind the track for me is lost, perhaps toning it back just a notch would have been all it needed to have the ability to be both catchy and still be able to express it meaning.
The end of the track where we hear only vocals and guitar is a definite strong point of the song, I would love to have heard the guitar even less and more of the haunting vocals, this would have provided an awesome point of focus for the track returning the listeners attention and thus allowing the listener to really appreciate the last crescendo and make the lingering effect of the song a little more lasting.
Overall though a very cool track and yes i to also must agree awesome harmonies
Jezey
September 10th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Lots to like about it. The country flavour is likeable, without it becoming annoying.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I Dig it!
What i like about this song is that it doesn’t rely on any studio magic, it’s charming in it’s simplicity.Â
The musicians do what they do and they do it darn well. The vocal melodies in this song are warm and forgiving and are performed strongly and effortlessly.
Im a fan of the “Rawhide”esque backing vocals in the chorus too!
Great song overall, looking forward to seeing more from these guys.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:47 am
The magical thing about this song is that it makes you feel like you’re sitting in on a jam session where everybody’s full of energy and having fun. The bass line and chord progressions have such a fresh vibe with a slight Neil Young feel to them.
Very cool.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Has a kind of eerie sound to it, but I like it! Definitely a unique track, and lots of different textures and layers going on. Its different enough to be memorable, but also not too strange that it isolates the listener. There should be more musicians that take risks like this!
September 17th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Haunting and instantly grabbed me. With the lyric “Let it Roll” having that slight western feel, it took me back some to a fav track from years ago - Concrete Blonde’s “Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man” (check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69BozyMnVSg). Yee-ha Mr Rascal (said in an endearing, appreciative, love your work kind of way :). Downloading now…