Joe Eglash - music

THREE (2013)

This third solo effort from multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter Joe Eglash, offers the full range of human passion, emotion, and creativity. Every listener will relate to its matured songwriting, while having their own unique experience hearing musical and lyrical influences that include the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Jayhawks, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Band of Horses, Paul Simon, and so much more.

More than any music he has previously made, THREE puts forth a fully-exposed, soulful collection of songs that were inspired by the highs and lows of adult life in our unfocused world. Immense-sounding tracks, packed with sing-along choruses and virtuosically-played instruments are juxtaposed by stripped-down, mellow acoustic statements, all of which provide a highly-memorable, life-affirming listening experience.

1. October  | Lyrics
2. Sentence  | Lyrics
3. Faith  | Lyrics
4. I Wanted You To Know | Lyrics
5. To Be Heard  | Lyrics
6. Genius  | Lyrics
7. Sometime, Someday  | Lyrics
8. Sepia  | Lyrics
9. Thorn In My Side  | Lyrics
10. Ballad Of  | Lyrics
11. Sun Goes Down  | Lyrics
12. The Great Design  | Lyrics

Continuing the trend of his first two solo albums, 2009's BUILD A FIRE and 2011's SO WIRED, THREE was written, recorded, produced, and mixed by Joe Eglash, alone, in his studio. (He says it's not as lonely as it sounds). With equal proficiency on guitar, bass, drums, sax, keyboard, and other instruments, the waves of music in Joe's mind can be translated into succinct, breathtaking performances, by playing and recording everything with his own hands (and feet).

Opening the album is the Lord of the Rings-inspired GETTING BY (FRODO), followed by the catchy SENTENCE, both invigorating and fast-paced. FAITH, the third, key track on the album, is the most personal and emotional musical statement Joe Eglash has ever made. These first three tracks will hook you for the remaining nine; and convince you to dig deep into this deep musical world.

THREE is a magic number.

BLUE NOW, GREEN FUTURE (Digital Single only, 2012)

This non-album single-only release represents a seldom-heard side of Joe Eglash - with roots in funk, Primus, Beastie Boys, and more.

SO WIRED (2011)

The majesty of U2 and timelessness of the Beatles inform the array of addictive melodies found on Joe Eglash’s powerful sophomore effort, SO WIRED.

The songs of SO WIRED live at a crossroads of experiential storytelling and self-awareness, in the vein of Randy Newman and Bob Dylan. In his lyric writing, Eglash has created a world of contemporary American character sketches that evoke images of people we know; of personalities with whom we’re familiar.

In the tradition of self-contained artists from Paul McCartney to Brendan Benson, Eglash plays every instrument on the album. Original in nature, his music subtly conveys a rooting in classic rock with elements of pop, world, and jazz. From light-spirited tunes like October to the epic I Want Me, Eglash writes a musical love letter to influences ranging from the Stones to the Beach Boys to the Band.

Of SO WIRED, Eglash says, “The challenge for me on this album was to write characters that would reflect different aspects of my personality and life, but at the same time, do things and say things that I wouldn’t. And musically, I wanted to indulge in some of my recording fantasies – layering 20 guitars on a part, like Brian May, or stacking endless harmonies, like Brian Wilson. I had a blast.”

BUILD A FIRE (2009)

BUILD A FIRE represents a full circle in the musical life of Joe Eglash - after years working on either side of the music industry. Matured, hook-filled songwriting matched with a one-man-band mentality to produce a landmark, dynamic debut solo recording

  1. Build A Fire | Lyrics
   2. Evil Eye Goodbye  | Lyrics
   3. Homeboy  | Lyrics
   4. Mother May  | Lyrics
  5. Woody's Tune  | Lyrics
  6. All Things Come True  | Lyrics
  7. Ocean Parkway U.N.  | Lyrics
  8. Georgie  | Lyrics
  9. I Was Doomed  | Lyrics
  10. Roots Of a Tree  | Lyrics
  11. Bleeding Eye  | Lyrics
  12. Wednesday Night  | Lyrics
  13. Electric Sounds  | Lyrics

BUILD A FIRE was recorded in 2008-9, boasting live instruments all played by Joe. Recorded in vintage fashion with live takes and Queen-like overdubs, new ground is tread upon with a horizon of hooks, grooves, and harmonies. BUILD A FIRE lies somewhere between the Beatles, the Who, and the Stones, with a well-crafted sheen close to Jellyfish and XTC.

TESTIMONIALS

KOOL KAT MUSIC: Guitars ring as the chords arc upward; insistent, and arousing drumbeats backdrop Joe's gracefully-soaring vocals. We happen to like it because it's so rich in complex arrangements, is pastoral, emotional and can trigger the imagination. The wealth of his creativity is immediately obvious as the record quotes eloquently from 60's-style British pop, but adds elements of jazz, all produced and layered to perfection. To our ears, Joe plays slightly quirky and intelligent pop with shades of Squeeze and the Beatles. It is an album that feels like a single, organic whole, yet each song is a vital, essential piece. Start to finish, the songs one after another are a delight; continually surprising...this is one fine album that has to be listened to from start to finish and then back again. If you like quirky yet rich and eclectic sound, then this album will not let you down. EXCELLENT!!!

NOT LAME RECORDS: Influences are subtle but point in the direction of where Eglash`s heart and soul lie: XTC, They Might Be Giants, and Jellyfish on a more acoustic bent. His sweet, unaffected folksy acoustic pop combines with crisp and woozily light-hearted but powerful hooks. This is some seriously tasty stuff that manages to break out flairs of originality and extreme competence in the musicianship department ---- and, then, to sew them together making this a fresh and always mightily enjoyable listen.