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| Baluja writes songs for the destitute. If you're happy and you want to stay that way, don't listen. If you are compelled to reflect on the anguish that accompanies the human condition, step right up. These are not catchy, melodic songs with sugar coated hooks. Nor are there any well calculated tricks designed to fool the listener into thinking that the songs involve anything but ordinay songwriting, describing ordinary pain. from an ordinary man. Direct, to the point, and heartfelt lyrics predominate. This ain't the blues, baby. This is the blacks and the greys and the blurry aftermath of a condition known as "the haze". |
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CD'S
a beautiful dream
This full-length by a Tampa one-man band kicks off with some tight, snappy electro funk-rock ("Cuttin' Loose") and slinky groove ("Bundle of Joy"); the programmed bass and rhythms effectively support Mike Baluja's bright, syncopated guitar and coolly minimalist vocals. Deeper in, however, the sinewy vibe that carries these two tunes sometimes collapses under the weight of the myriad sounds and styles heaped upon it. "A New Beginning" suffers from too much arty ambition and overwrought keyboard, and "The Dark Room" is a heavier, more cluttered and less successful version of the disc's opener. The rest of the album follows a pattern of hit ("Comfort in the Bottle," "Back it Up") and miss ("A Beautiful Dream," "One"), hitting with spare, groovy hooks and missing when it tries to pile too much onto them.
SCOTT HARRELL, THE WEEKLY PLANET
SONGS
Comfort in the Bottle
Cool and chillin
Something smooth and yet punctuating. I really dig the voicings. I like the dynamics much more original that most of the stuff I am hearing. Not over done at all I like the vocals the little bit of guitar, harp sounds , bass beat, and lyrics. Good job. I bet you could easily get into other venues of music with ease , cool job.. and keep working
- Dismorphic
Cincinnati, Ohio
Comfort In The Bottle
A real "in-your-face" raw and dry sound. I need to hear this in my car cruzin' to get the full effect. Nice arrangement with little breaks that make it flow. Kind of reminds of a Prince feel and thats good.
Extra Credit: Mood
- mellodog
Manchester, New Hampshire
Beats Away! Lyle Lovett?
This is a cool jam with a spoken word groove! Nice Guitars!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Mood
Special Award: Best Potential Movie Soundtrack
- Lfunkyman
Cupertino, California
Dirty beats sets the tone for this down-tempo gem.
This track should have been part of the pulp fiction soundtrack. I love the beat and rhythm, and it progresses nicely as a tune. The vocals fit nicely with the music. Enjoying this one.
Extra Credit: Beat, Mood
Special Award: Best Potential Movie Soundtrack
- aramscaram
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Funky groove thang.
This is really unusual. I found it fun and entertaining. The MOOD of the song was captivating and a groove was infectious. No rap, that was very cool, the talkish voiceover was done in the spritely manner. Very high marks for creativity on this song. The mix was good.
- Audiogrill
Issaquah, Washington
If You Wanna Make a Move
Trip hop with a little funk!
Song has cool lyrics. I could definatly see this track in a club or a rave. A little techno and trance with a flare of funk.
Extra Credit: Sequencer/Effects Programming
- secretgossip
Antioch, Tennessee
Shaft!
Not bad at all. Unique vibe. Reminds me of 70's Zappa in some way. Moving to Montana soon!
- pryde
Las Vegas, Nevada
I LIKE IT. YOU GOT THE VOICE. AND THE BEAT IS KICKING. I LOVE THE CONCEPT.
- SCRUEFACE
Muskegon, |
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Location:
tampa FL, usa
mike baluja Website
baluja@earthlink.net
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