Songs of Hope from a dying young man.

6 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Psychedelic, POP: Beatles-pop



Details:
Interim

babysue Review June, 2004

Rick Dobbelaer - Interim (Independently released CD EP, Pop)
Interim is a good example about what is so wonderful about home recording. Singer/songwriter Rick Dobbelaer found out that he had to have a heart transplant in 2003. Instead of sitting around moping and doing nothing while transfixed on the upcoming event...Dobbelaer instead chose to use his situation as an outlet for creativity. Not only did the project help him get through what must have been a difficult time...but in the process he also created something truly worthwhile and entertaining that he could later share with others (as a celebration of sorts) once he got through the operation (which he did, by the way...). The idea was a good one...and fortunately the tunes are even better than the idea behind them. This EP includes six highly melodic pop tunes that feature introspective and strikingly honest lyrics. Dobbelaer is not just a man sitting at home randomly twiddling knobs. This guy knows what he's doing. His songs are mature, well-constructed, and memorable...and the sound quality is superb. Heavenly pop tunes include "This Day," "Letter to Self," and "Load Your Guns" (a wonderfully heady and sensational piece). Rick Dobbelaer is not a man whose music is being processed for the masses. He is a real person creating credible, positive music as a vehicle for directly communicating with other individuals. It is so refreshing to hear music created by someone who is coming from such a sincerely genuine perspective. And the fact that the songs kick ass don't hurt none neither (!). Great stuff. Really great stuff...! (Rating: 5+)



Interim
RICK DOBBELAER

reviewed by fin for Southofmainstream.com

Rick Dobbelaer's personal story is rather incredible, and I must admit that it
is tempting to let his personal triumphs over serious health afflictions affect
how I listen to the music on his EP Interim. The music itself is a mixed
bag. In fact, it almost sounds as if there are two separate musical currents
running side by side on this six song effort. The first three songs rely heavily
on noisy guitars, loud/soft dynamics, and crisp, clean kitchen-sink production,
so much so that it tends to overshadow the songwriting and Rick's voice. This
is unfortunate because the man has a voice that is equal parts sugar and
sandpaper, perfect for Top 40 radio or under-the-radar indie singer-songwriting.
He also is well versed in song construction, a fact that comes through crystal
clear on the second half of the recording.

"Goodnight Ava" is the standout of these three. With its chime-y acoustic
guitar and roomy drums, Rick has plenty of space to create a truly gorgeous song that I personally imagine him singing to his young daughter or wife during the long nights of uncertainty he must have experienced. "Load Your Guns" is also a very strong number. He matches his D-tuned acoustic guitar voicing perfectly with his melancholy vocal melody to outstanding results. And although "How Long" gets a bit bogged down beneath the production, the sentiments still ring through quietly and beautifully.

I found myself wishing Rick would ditch Pro-Tools and buy an old 2-inch setup
and record his songs a bit more simply. I think his story is amazing and could
really benefit from a record that sounds intimate and sparse, without all the
musical bells and whistles I found distracting in songs like "Letter to Self."

But in the simpler moments, Rick Dobbelaer truly shines, and his work should definitely be experienced.

Genre: Indie Rock/Pop
Released: 2003