Inspired by classic '70's Soft Rock stylings, singer-songwriter Douglas Coleman captures the spirit of the times on his excellent CD, "Almost Got Reel." Channeling the sounds of Gerry Rafferty, Al Stewart, and Chris Rea (among others), Coleman avoids all the pitfalls of the genre (i.e., sappy, cloying) with his original mid and up-tempo piano-led pop songs. CD-opener and title track, "Almost Got Reel," nails it with its minor key melody and a moody after-midnight ambiance that recalls the spirit of "Baker Street," but with its own unique and original flair. "Almost Got Reel" is also reprised in a terrific acoustic guitar-backed version at the end of the disc. Elegant, similarly '70's-influenced harmonies help set the tone on other album highlights as well, with "Blue Anime Eyes," "Night in Montreal," and the power ballad-like, "Gone More Slow," finding Coleman at his most tuneful and engaging best. These days Soft Rock is better known as Adult Contemporary, but the strength of Coleman's music is that he hasn't forgotten the Rock: although there are no screaming guitar solos or over-the-top production flourishes, nonetheless the vibe on "Almost Got Reel" is hardly laid-back. Like the above-named singers best works, Douglas Coleman's "Almost Got Reel" CD strikes a smart balance between folk and pop melodies on this timeless collection of well-crafted and well-executed songs.
-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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