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Howie Day: Australia By Nikki Dicredico Addicted. One listen to Howie Day's Australia and you will be hooked like a good drug that makes you feel so wonderfully downhearted. Each song is whispered out of this soulful young man's heart, almost as if he was unaware that his secrets would be told to the world. Since its original release in 2000, Australia has been doing just that; earning the 22-year old a 2001 Boston Music Award for "Best Debut Album by a Singer-Songwriter" and in 2002 the award for "Best Male Singer Songwriter." After recently being signed with Epic Records, Day released his first single "Ghost," undoubtedly one of the best models of his talent. Laced with an eerie slide guitar and synthesized drum beat, Day cries out a story of a weeping refused lover so heavenly that you want to break this boy's heart only so that he will write a song about you. On tracks such as "She Says" and "More You Understand" Day will infatuate you with this same conviction and all you are left to do is plead that the CD will never end. Praise to Day for including the live recording of "Morning After," allowing a mere glimpse of his live show. After three years of playing the same songs, Day still creates an emotionally fired energy that brings you to the place and time where the song was originally created. Readied with numerous loop pedals, a guitar and a majestic voice his one man show is an enticing adventure. Australia hits hard with its musical force, and I can't wait to be struck again. We will all have to wait until his current tour with Tori Amos finishes before we hear another recording from Day. Until then, take your dose of musical perfection daily or symptoms of withdrawal will ensue. Email Nikki at ndicred1@ithaca.edu. |
