Hurting Business
Now five records into a solo career, the former guitarist forGreen on Redleaves his stripped-down, bluesy past behind, adding a score of Mellotron, saxophone, synthesizer, and sampling for a more urban mosaic. The result is a soulful medley where Prophet continues to follow theDylanbook of songwriting, arming his characters with compelling story lines and clever wordplay. The title track's account of a broken relationship proves exultant thanks to a playful Farfisa organ and splendid backing vocals by Prophet's wife, Stephanie Finch. Prophet mimicsTom Waitsover a fierceJ.J. Caleriff on "La Paloma." And radio programmers looking for a hit should check out "Dyin' All Young," a mother's ode to her young son's death. It's an instantly catchy, though forever haunting ballad that propels Chuck Prophet up another rung on the ladder of underappreciated songwriters.--Scott Holter