Losing Things
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Twin Cities, Mark Schirmacher brings the long standing tradition of timeless, genuine and heartfelt rock’n’roll to his poetic and sophisticated album that recruits a small handful of talent who take on banjo, horns, keys and even violin.
“Tomorrow” gets the listen started with strings before quick acoustic guitars enter as Schirmacher’s smooth, warm vocals invade the opener, and this approach follows in the groove friendly and folk ideas of “Study Of Love”, as well as the fuller orchestral sounds of “It’s A Dream”.
Near the end, the acoustic sounds of “Crazy Fool” parallel the greatness achieved by other Minnesota legends like Dylan and Westerberg, and “Losing Things” puts Schirmacher’s guitar skills on full display and even brings in whistling and a larger presence behind the drum kit.
Certainly bringing to mind other Minnesota greats like The Jayhawks or Soul Asylum, Schirmacher’s work is light and breezy, but certainly very meticulous, articulate and full of imaginative melodies and relatable storytelling. Don’t sleep on Losing Things; it’s one of the best singer-songwriter albums of 2019.
Travels well with: Paul Westerberg- Folker; Dave Pirner- Faces & Names