CHARLIE GREER

TURN ME ON, DEAD MAN! is a six-song CD by CHARLIE GREER (formerly of LOVENGINEAR, LA MOTTA, DARTING OXCART).



You may think that an attempt to bring such disparate themes as Country, Punk, and 80's New Wave together would result in chaos, confusion, or even stroke. But you'd be wrong!

What surprised me on my first listen was hearing how Greer had mixed and shook up things from a variety of genres into something novel and good. He is a master alchemist, weaving together genre-specific elements into something new and good.

"Tailfeather" starts things off with reverb-rich guitar hooks that take center stage in this steak and potatoes ditty that's simple yet substantial. Well placed repeats complete the package.

Things pick up with "Have You Seen Her", which twists the familiar lovelorn theme into something speedy and brash. Listen for an L.A. club sound with an early 80's aural flashback.

I wanted to hear "Pity Now" over and over again. Great rhythm meets angst of a country boy who yearns for the anonymity of the big city. And "Over My Head" keeps things hopping with more the same mixing and matching of what works. Key repeats bring out a nearly meditative quality (if you meditate at high speeds).

"The Come Down" is aptly named. It offers listeners a few moments to self-reflect. Listening to the track gave me the feeling of being underwater while someone up above was playing a synthesizer - new wave 80's style.

"Circle Be Unbroken" puts the "fun" back into funerals. Greer's Down South roots really shine in this rocking funeral march. The upbeat hymn sings of Mama's death and the people who'll be carrying her away.

Greer has managed to create a melodious melting pot of genres that cross time and styles. Through it all runs a ribbon of character and talent that makes this CD well worth adding to your collection.

-review by Richard Davis - OL SKOOL RODS Magazine 2009



CHARLIE GREER has talent, charisma, guts, songwriting ability, confidence and attitude, yet no record label will touch him with a bargepole.

And it's that defiant attitude that makes Charlie Greer someone to seriously look out for. He's not changing his style or opinions for anyone, and for that, we should salute him.

-COWPUNK ZINE 2004