Songs For People (High & Low)
Blind Owl, 2022
9/10
Listen to Songs For People (High & Low)
A veteran singer-songwriter from Southern California, Mike Pope may bring to mind Leonard Cohen or Paul Clayton , and his memorable song craft certainly holds its own against those legends. Amazingly, until 2022 he had never recorded an album, so he decided to release two at the same time.
“Mirror” starts the listen with Pope’s soaring vocals and intricate guitar playing that benefits much from 3 part harmonies, and “Steep Cracked Rocks” follows with mesmerizing guitar picking that might remind you of the first time you heard Elliott Smith, and his vocal delivery is just as distinct, too.
Deeper into the listen, the gorgeous instrumentation of “Shooting Star” is full of vivid storytelling that’s as emotive as it is stirring, while “My Gods” recruits an ominousness that showcases firm keys and moody strings.
Further still, “None But The Rain”, a Townes Van Zandt tune, focuses on vocals in its bare melody and nearly gospel presence, and “Maryanne (Again And Again)” exits with a washboard amid an old time feel that’s rootsy and charming.
A very well thought out listen that’s both romantic and tragic, Pope’s vision is one of careful observation, and he’s got feistiness about him that parallels Joe Strummer, which could never be a bad thing.
Travels well with: Kurt Rosenwinkel- Stars Of Jupiter; Creature And The Woods- J Tree