El Oso Negro’s inaugural CD “You Dance the Truth”, put out by Sorrow/Pity Records, was a long time coming but is definitely worth the wait. Ian Stupar, lead singer, writer, guitarist and main black bear, has described his sound as “country meets folk meets indie meets something else.” I would describe it as unique Americana, with layers of banjo, mandolin, stand up bass, accordion, pedal steel, and anything else it might take to help tell the story of the lyrics. Stupar’s voice is powerful and emotional, with a touch of raw Cash. His musical talents on guitar perfectly complement his lyrics and storytelling. Ian is often backed by talented friends that he has made through his years in the local music industry (some might remember Fightshy). But, as Ian would say, many people came and went before this CD finally saw the light of day. Some of the ones mentioned on El Oso’s MySpace page are Monique, Matt, Stewart, Kael, Robin, Jaime, Andy, Liz, Jeff, Chris, and Nate. Let’s get down to the business of the songs.
“Lucky Orange Shirt” starts slow but builds to a fun sing-along party type of song. Maybe the references to Arizona will keep Stupar warm when he moves into his new digs in New York this month! “Rise Up” is an anthem song, the kind that gets everyone on their feet at a show, standing up and waving their arms in the air. It starts simply, but adds on layers with the question/statement “I surely don’t know what happens to you when you die on the other side”, combined with “So rise up.” Nate from The Format adds vocals here, as he does on several other songs. “The Devil Below Us” has the great line “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” “Tidal Wave” pairs bouncy music with black comedy lyrics: “Lost in a world of wheels when all you've got is your feet, and how do you compete. . . Don’t you think it’s a little strange, how your life is like a tidal wave.” This would probably be a good time to mention Abir’s interludes that come at the beginning and middle of the CD. Ian, who besides being musically talented is also a trained chef, worked at Pita Jungle (Chandler) for several years. Abir is the wife of one of the owner’s and Ian overheard her on her cell one day. The results are on “You Dance the Truth”. As you listen to the rest of the songs on this CD, you’ll find one for every mood. “Relax Calbrone” is an ambiguous relationship song, laid back and muted, while “You Don’t Have A Thing To Say” is a little angrier, both in lyrics and musical tone. “Terrible Life” is based on the daily frustrations people continually express, taken to the extreme: “My wife and kids are killing me. . . It’s true, I live a terrible life.” Then, after killing them; “I don’t have any other plans, You won’t be making no demands, ‘Cause she’ll be gone and that’s for sure, And I’ll be happy without her.” The final song, “Too Late To Celebrate”, is a sweet good-bye, simple and straight forward.
What else is there to say? Buy this CD! Your life will be richer for it!
----Ian's Mom
