Portrait of Observation

Editorial Reviews
From the Label
A delightful trip into the world of Cory Larson. Cory uses resonator guitars to create a wonderful bed of music to lay in. These songs will take you back to your roots.

About the Artist
Cory Larson was born Feb. of 1970 in Northern California, but spent most of his life in the Midwest. From the rural landscapes of North Dakota and Minnesota, (even a brief time in Wyoming, to the urban environments of Minneapolis and into his teens, and the juxtaposition of the rural to urban atmosphere as primary forces behind the elements of music.

At the age of eight, the artist was exposed to the theatrical spectacle of the rock group Kiss. It was Ace Frehley, the spaceman guitarist with... read more

Album Description
One man and his guitar the essence of the american street performance captured in a recording.

Portrait of Observation

Portrait of Observation

Average customer rating:

This is what music should sound like.
Not bad!
What the video looks like
Strings, guts, and blues.
outstanding use of a variety of no longer heard guitar

Portrait of Observation

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000JC5J
Release Date: 1999-05-07

Tracks:

Going to Work
Kind in Sway
I left Town
Crosswords & the T.V.
Show My Face
Resonant
I'm Sorry
Build MAchines
Throttle Your Voice
Window in the PArk
Coarse Day

Album Description

One man and his guitar the essence of the american street performance captured in a recording.

Customer Reviews:

This is what music should sound like........2000-09-07

Have you ever wondered what a guitar really sounds like? I mean when the pedals, amps and effects aren't present, when no bass or drums provide rhythm? If you do, then pick up Cory Larson's debut cd. Cory Larson is totally honest guitar and vocals. This album is totally raw. There are no electronic gadgets, no vocal echos, and no background singers in tights. Some of this music was recorded right on the street corner. As far as the music goes. I hear hints of Chris Whitley combined with blues from the early 20th century. Cory is not stuck with any one sound however. Every song has its own identity. On some songs, Cory plays his guitar with such speed and accuracy that I truly believe that his fingers become invisible. On other tracks, Cory grinds his blues out unlike any artist that I have ever heard. Cory's vocals fit perfectly with his guitar. In all honesty, this is one of the best records that I have ever heard. Nobody plays music like Cory's. Cory has a totally unique sound with intelligent lyrics that while they borrow from the blues, give back more that they take. In this way Cory's blues create whole new messages much like Stevie Ray Vaughan's lyrics did.

Not bad!.......2000-08-21

Every artist wishes to create a piece of work that moves its listeners in the same way that it moved the artist that created it. Cory succeeds at this with a style that is as unique as the instrument it is played on. With gritty lyrics that reflect all too real aspects of life, I was moved to compare the truisms that exist between these songs and my life. Very few pieces of music have ever done that for me. I highly recommend this truly inspirational and enjoyable album to anyone.

What the video looks like.......2000-01-25

The video opens with a man standing on a soap box. The way that the 1970's political film stock might look. We see the singer as an American eye might catch one of the many participants in the political regalia of that time. The camera has many jolts and some audio variations from what the c.d. offers, yet done by the artist. The music on the cd is given life by the artists portrait of self. "Observations" documents accurately the growth of a population over the basic pull-back of reason. Rootedly grabing at the spoils of a sometimes devestating chatter of controls. Ripping even the most set individual into something larger then themself. "Throttle your voice" is a key to the floor. Mr. Larson compelles the listern to compassion. A rememberance of the sometimes towardliness of our nation. "Going to work" and "I left town again" a reminder of the portrait of observation. Not worthy in the album is the song "Build Machines," a far fetch reality I'm sure! A video might depict this song well. Of all the songs on the tracks that are put forth on this album, "Coarse Day" has the pull that it takes to send a nation to its knee. The video was remarkable and I really suggest you catch it. Corys time hear was done before it started. This is the kind of stuff that goes into re-issue. Look for another cd soon. 1/24/2000

Strings, guts, and blues........1999-12-04

Portrait of Observation reminds me a lot of Chris Whitley's best work---beautiful aggresive phrasing , heart wrenching lyrics and overall tone. In short, an incredible work of art. The live feel of this album brings Cory's excellent vocals and amazingly quick finger and slide work into the room with you. These songs flow together so well, and each stands on its own merit equally well. Listening to this album made me want to go out and by a vintage National:), but I think I'll just keep playing Portrait of Observation on the cd player since my fingers wouldn't do a guitar like that justice! I would especially recommend this cd to anyone who loves to play the guitar. It is well apparent when listening that Cory and his axe have a very special relationship---the kind of relationship that any great artist has with his/her instrument, whatever the medium. This music transcends its notes and words. Like every great musician does, Cory takes us in between the notes, straight to the heart. What more can you ask for?

outstanding use of a variety of no longer heard guitar.......1999-11-03

Portrait of Observation is the best album of the year, like nothing I have heard. Mr. Larson does an amazing job blending guitar not often heard with contemporary lyrics. This album is sure to seat Mr. Larson at the top. I'm quite anxious to hear the follow up release.

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