Barry Sides: Reviews

Barry Sides “Broken Hearts Broken Strings”
Label: Flying Pig Records

Barry Sides is a veteran musician who has been active in the music scene since the mid seventies. He has appeared in concert with music greats like Bob Dylan, BB King, and Leon Russell just to mention a few. But it would not be until 21st century before he would recorded his debut, and now another five years later with his follow up – the very fine “Broken Hearts Broken Strings” – which he has been working on for two years until it finally was released. The album is recorded with a small hand picked troop of top musicians, like for example the former drummer for Tom Petty’s band The Heart Breakers, Stan Lynch, bassist Ronny Cates, and guitarist producer Jeff Sims.

They have managed to make a very tempting sound where Barry Sides is at his best, writing melodies that quickly become addictive. You can really hear that the mood in the studio must have been genial, because the sound is very relaxed yet pushes the music through. The musicians sound as if they were born for this excellent material and they carry the music through as a tight unit. You are in great hands and the style is close to perfect, they know exactly how to make the music swing while leaving just enough space for the songs to breathe in a production that is quite moderate.

The lyrics sparkle and are poetic observations of a life that above all is about broken hearts and missing persons who are close to him. Barry Sides has quite a few experiences to dig from and his words are written with razorblade sharpness, that are not far from the great singing poets like Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt.

“Broken Hearts Broken Strings” screams for attention and Barry Sides raises himself high above the average as a songwriter, in a genre that is very overcrowded. This is extremely good music and if you think highly of the music of Bob Dylan, Steve Earl, or Tom Petty, make sure you do not miss this pearl.

Johan Annetorp _ Rootsy Magazine

Translation from Swedish by Hans Malm

I couldn't stop listening
author: jil
A few songs leaped out at me immediately, but I found myself listening to the whole album and finding I couldn't stop. The pain and sadness spoke to me and the lyrics have an ironic twist that made me smile. What's not to love?

• Barry is a great songwriter and musician.
Broken Hearts, Broken Strings is a CD with songs that have lyrics that touch the heart. The listener will be saying-I've felt that way before-I know what he is singing about.

What great music and amazing lyrics. Your lyrics are insightful and seem to communicate basic feelings we all have but can not seem to put into words. When I listen to your songs it seems as if I have known you forever. Keep writing, keep playing!

Incredible lyrics. Straight from the heart. Barry Sides Broken Hearts Broken Strings fits perfectly between my Bob Dylan and Tom Petty Cd’s. I’m a fan!

Great wit and creativity…love your music!

Your use of word and music is nothing
short of classic. Count me as your newest fan!
Keep a smile in your heart,

Nice tunes! I've listened to the whole group now three
times. I'm not here to review your new album, but do let me list a few things that stand out for me: great vocal delivery, amazing lyrics, good performances and well-recorded & mixed (and I have a little xperience
how tough that can be to achieve.) What's not to
like, I ask you!

great original material and a
refreshing style to go with it.

Like John Prine, Barry Sides writes with wit and intelligence from a place a little off center.

I still have Memphis Morning Rain in my head.

I don't normally like every song on a CD but I like every one on yours! Great songwriting...Why aren't you more famous?!

I listened to your CD. . . . I liked every song on the CD. I hear Townes Van Zandt

Barry's long awaited CD has just been released...Check it out, it kicks ass! Great songs+Great Vocals+Great musicians=Great CD!!

I’ve played your Cd in my car so often that my car know all the words!

Got your CD in the mail yesterday and it sounds great! Love Memphis Morning Rain.

Great songs! I love Letters From Diane...

Great lyrics and a unique vocal style!