Rick Harrington - You Can't Just Sit There

Rick Harrington's debut album will leave you anything but bored. This eclectic assortment of well-crafted and superbly performed songs covers nearly all the musical bases. The title song, 'You Can't Just Sit There,' is a folk-rock portrayal of the true-life adventure of Larry Walters (the man who one day decided to see if he could be lifted by a host of weather balloons tied to his lawn chair). 'Ain't Life Grand' is a fun blues-rock tune about being content whatever your circumstances. Emily's bluesy vocals and Rick's lead guitar really stand out on this one. Steel guitar and mandolin are featured in 'Bertram Harris,' a kind of new grass/country/jam song addressing the cruel consequences and regrets of a life of addiction. 'Sleeveless' is a rock-jazz portrayal of the tragic pride and carelessness of youth. This song features some excellent saxophone and conga playing as well as a very strong vocal performance by Emily Truncellito. The 'Tractor Song' is an amusing, pure country, statement of the reliability of a tractor over a woman. The steel guitar work is a real highlight on this track. 'Mister Smooth' is an instrumental, smooth jazz piece showcasing some impressive saxophone, guitar and piano interplay. 'Reach for Me' is a delicate love song, assisted by subtle finger-picking guitar and tasteful piano. 'Midnight Highway' is a driving rock song featuring some tight breaks and nice lead guitar work. Inspired by the Biblical book, Ecclesiastes, 'What About You' is an acoustic, piano-featured song pondering the nature and meaning of life. 'The Love of Many' is a beautifully written arrangement of acoustic guitar, cello and piano telling a heart-warming story of adoption. The delicate finger-picking guitar and cello on 'Daddy's Love' appropriately assist in telling of the helplessness a parent can feel in a cruel and unpredictable world. Emily's sweet vocals in a 'Place so Still' beautifully express the vivid picture of an abandoned farm and the profound reality it brings to light. This entire album is well worth a listen.

1) You Can't Just Sit There
2) Ain't Life Grand
3) Bertram Harris
4) Sleeveless
5) Tractor Song
6) Mister Smooth
7) Reach for Me
8) Midnight Highway
9) What About You
10) Love of Many
11) Daddy's Love
12) Place So Still