I had the opportunity to review Feldiken’s last album for Skope titled Small Songs About Us. He made a record for “EVERYONE” as I stated then and this still stands true for the new album Common Splendor. Feldiken’s love for people in general is quite evident here as he plays the role of humanitarian extremely well. It’s worth mentioning that on Small Songs About Us, I referred to his debut as a “fam-favorite Kids album” due to the children-friendly tone and youthful spirit the album conveyed. On Common Splendor, Feldiken still has something for everyone but instead of kiddie-friendly tunes, you’re hearing a celebration of music for ALL the people of the world.
The singer/songwriter from Brooklyn offers up something special here with his new 6-track EP. Feldiken’s wife, who used to be a television producer, now shoots his videos with him. Additionally, his band is made of friends he’s known for years including Pete Archer on bass & Lou Lacobelli on drums. This closeness factor that Feldiken has with his wife and his bandmates carries over into the overall sound. Common Splendor is designed to bring each and every person together through feel-good music.
What I loved most about this recording is how Feldiken mixes up styles and tempos in stellar fashion. The EP starts up with a song titled “Age of Miracles” that offers a unique conversational/narrative vocal tone that is actually pretty cool. You can tell Feldiken & company are just havin’ fun here and I’m also hearing much better singing this time around. Next up is “Together in This Groove” that supplies a contagious dance groove that is highly enjoyable to listen to. On the title track “Common Splendor”, Feldiken goes back to that famous kids tone with an innocent-sounding approach heard loud & clear. On track four, “Everybody Loves You”, you’re witnessing an intimate & wonderful little folk number that Feldiken truly brings to life. Through solid acoustic guitar work and a crisp & soft vocal delivery, Feldiken has tapped into something incredible here. Artistry & musicianship at its finest here as Feldiken gives you a memorable & delicate performance. Song five, “Everything for Everyone” is just that as ALL instruments & musicians come alive through great melodies and top-notch playing. I actually caught myself singing along to this one because the song is extremely catchy.
I’d like to leave you with a famous quote you might have heard a time or two that has major significance to Feldiken’s own message: “–and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from earth”. That line of course comes from the Gettysburg Address spoken by President Abraham Lincoln. These words really ring loud in my ears today because a certain BIG “government of the people, by the people, for the people” is no more. However, Feldiken does everything in his power to write songs that can relate with one another on all levels. This Brooklyn native is making music that is “of the people, by the people, ‘and most importantly’ for the people” as he attempts to make a lasting impression on you. At least somebody gets it and is using their skills/talents for the good of mankind; you the man Feldiken! For more on this artist and his new release Common Splendor, SKOPE out www.myspace.com/feldiken.
By Jimmy Rae (jrae@skopemag.com)
(2 Full Skopes higher than the previous album–way to go!)
[Rating: 4.5]
