Categories: Archives

True emotion through Dylan-esque lyrics

‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ It’s not often that an album can make you want to laugh and cry. ‘ ‘ ‘ Franks Hoier’s… ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ It’s not often that an album can make you want to laugh and cry. ‘ ‘ ‘ Franks Hoier’s album, Lovers ‘amp; Dollars, has a poetic sense about it. The guitar and harmonica folk sound lends itself well to the melancholy, thoughtful and humorous lyrics. There’s generally a mellow feel as the album drifts through its 10 songs with shades of country. ‘ ‘ ‘ Hoier’s voice has a genuineness about it that adds heartfelt tones to the songs. Sometimes wavering and other times strong, he’s a great blend of a bluesy lullaby and an animated folk song. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘We Both Live in Brooklyn, Babe,’ gently sways through lyrics like, ‘This feeling’s rainin’ on my roof / Thru my window down into my room / The moonlight’s shinin’ like your eyes / The October wind is hummin’ your time.’ Showing off the singer’s lyrical talent, it’s the kind of song you play when you’re feeling a little down. ‘ ‘ ‘ Similarly, the lyrics and music of ‘Ninety-nine Thoughts’ haunt in a thought-provoking way. A wavering melody hovering just above a steady beat adds to the song’s seemingly hardened wisdom, with lyrics like, ‘You’ve got 15 friends smilin’ wide / 14 of ’em’s got something to hide.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ The album has some fantastic upbeat tracks, like the humorous ’41st St. Blues (You Look Good to Me).’ It’s difficult not to break out in a smile when you hear lines like, ‘Baby with a patch over your right eye / But that left one’s pretty, it’s gonna make me sigh.’ There’s something very charming about the way Hoier presents his music, and it comes across very strongly in this song. ‘ ‘ ‘ Lovers ‘amp; Dollars bundles humor and sadness well into the album. The guitar/harmonica combination that’s so reminiscent of blues gives this album something a little different. ‘ ‘ ‘ It’s an album for lovers that’s worth more than a few dollars.

Pitt News Staff

Share
Published by
Pitt News Staff

Recent Posts

SGB addresses concerns about ICE presence on campus, hears SJP lawsuit against administration, approves governing code billSGB addresses concerns about ICE presence on campus, hears SJP lawsuit against administration, approves governing code bill

SGB addresses concerns about ICE presence on campus, hears SJP lawsuit against administration, approves governing code bill

At its weekly meeting on Tuesday at Nordy’s Place, Student Government Board heard concerns about…

18 hours ago
ACLU of Pennsylvania sues Pitt over SJP suspensionACLU of Pennsylvania sues Pitt over SJP suspension

ACLU of Pennsylvania sues Pitt over SJP suspension

The ACLU of Pennsylvania filed a federal civil lawsuit against the University of Pittsburgh and…

18 hours ago
Marquan Pope: The ultimate sharkMarquan Pope: The ultimate shark

Marquan Pope: The ultimate shark

One of the most remarkable things about sharks is that an injury doesn’t deter them.…

1 day ago
Who Asked? // Do we really get a summer vacation?Who Asked? // Do we really get a summer vacation?

Who Asked? // Do we really get a summer vacation?

This installment of Who Asked? by staff writer Brynn Murawski mourns the seemingly impossible perfect…

2 days ago
Notes From an Average Girl // Notes from my junior yearNotes From an Average Girl // Notes from my junior year

Notes From an Average Girl // Notes from my junior year

In this edition of Notes From an Average Girl, senior staff writer Madeline Milchman reflects…

2 days ago
Meaning at the Movies // The Power of the Movie TheaterMeaning at the Movies // The Power of the Movie Theater

Meaning at the Movies // The Power of the Movie Theater

In this edition of “Meaning at the Movies,” staff writer Lauren Deaton discusses her love…

2 days ago