Chris Squier Band

Singer songwriter Chris Squier has released a new CD titled No Ordinary Anything. Born in New Jersey, Squier has made Western new York his home for a while now and has been embraced by local musicians and audiences alike with numerous nominations at the local music awards shows. Helping Squier on the disc are Meredith Brown, Bob Farmer, Nathan Gavacs and Armond Petri among others. Petri (Sixpence None The Richer, 10,000 Maniacs, Goo Goo Dolls) also produced the disc. His gruff vocals, intricate guitar playing and song style is in the equivalent vein of Dave Alvin or Peter Case. Highlights here include The solo acoustic number “Proof Of Life”, “Invisible To You” and “You Say It’s All Right”. Squier also turns in a great run of the Bowie classic “Heroes”. For more on Chris Squier and his new release No Ordinary Anything go to www.chrissquier.com

REVIEW LINK:
http://www.bestofwny.com/entertainment/silvestri/chrissquier_2.htm - by Bob Sylvestri - BestofWNYMusic.com

(Chris Squier) does what he does well. It's acoustic rock about real-life, small-town America situations and themes, reminiscent of Mellancamp or of Springsteen without all the bombast of his early work, and it doesn't pretend to be anything except what it is. - Courtesy of Northeast In-Tune Magazine

Imagine a younger Tom Waits singing for the Gin Blossoms, with Tom Petty and John Mellencamp collaborating on the lyrics, and you'll understand where this song is coming from. The guitars are a mixuture of Roots Rock light distortion with the added jangle of 90's College Rock. The vocalist has just the right amount of distortion in his voice for my taste. The lyrics spoke to me: "Am I the only one looking for absolution for my sins...the sins that have yet to come?". There is a sparse, desperate feeling to this song, but with a faint promise of redemption. If you like your college/roots rock with solid guitars, good singing, and excellent songwriting, you need to hear this song. - Courtesy of Garageband.com

Harry Chapin like delivery backed by some old style finger-picking and A-1 lyrics make this on of my favorite GB reviews that I've done. And I've done a bunch.

I am also a singer songwriter storyteller and have a deep appreciation for songs that are written from life experience and written with grace and performed with an emotion that moves the listener. This song has all of those characteristics.

There's little I can offer in constructive changes that I feel should be made...because truthfully this song is great the way it is.

The gritty emotional voice is highlighted by the sparse simple guitar playing. No need to add anything to this tune. It's a 5. - Garageband.com

Why haven’t I heard you on the airways yet?
I feel like I have been asked to review the Mona Lisa with Leonardo da Vinci standing next to me. Since we are talking about music maybe I should stay Rocky Mountain High with John Denver over my shoulder.

This is probably going to be one of my worst reviews for I am having problems finding anything wrong with this song. OK, I did get some distortion around 3:42, but I am positive that is from the mp3 download and not the production. The guitar work and drums are wonderful. You have a very well produced song. You have fantastic lyrics that are pleasant to listen too. I love the fact that your vocals are not overpowering or hidden within the music. I am sure people will enjoy what you have said in the song. (Even people who live outside of California.) - garageband.com

Singer songwriter Chris Squier has a debut CD out titled The Interstates EP. A veteran of coffee houses from Cleveland to Rochester and back to Western New York he plays bass both acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, vocals and does the digital programming on this with help from Nathan Gavacs on lead guitar. A passionate vocalist, his gravelly voice is comparable to Darkness on the Edge of Town era Springsteen. The seven tracks all feature a nice blend of instrumentation and achieve a full band sound even with Squier handling most of the instruments. Highlights include the tracks “Pieces”, “I’m Listening”, “Down” and “Glass Eyed Baby”. For more information on Chris Squier including show dates and how to purchase his new CD Interstates check out his web site at www.chrissquier.com

REVIEW LINK:
http://www.bestofwny.com/entertainment/silvestri/chrissquier.htm - By Bob Sylvestri - BestofWNY.com

rom the opening guitar chords of No Ordinary Anything, you know that Chris Squier is for real. His voice and lyrics are so pure and over-the-top honest that you want to pay attention to what he is saying at all times. No Ordinary Anything is a nice slice of Americana; true, beautiful independent music.

Squier does a nice job of making each song its own; the problem with most new records in all types of music is that the tracks tend to bleed together. His songs are discernable and different. California (Queen of Light) is a wonderful start to the record, and I’m not sure there is another song on the album that would work as well here; sweet guitars lead into a singable hook, as they keep the song lifting and upbeat at all times. This music just sounds inspirational, almost selflessly motivating in a way. Wings of Angels is particularly astonishing track, and with the help of Meredith Brown. An attractive duel singer aesthetic is utilized to make the song that much better. Hatbox is a good platform for Squier to flex his songwriting muscles, and I’m fairly certain that the album does not get much better than Invisible to You.

This record is not too long, not too short, just nine great tracks of good, old-fashioned indie rock. With No Ordinary Anything, you are assured well-executed songs full of good songwriting and content, some ambient sounds, violins, keys, and first-rate guitar work. Squier’s voice is excellent throughout as well; passionate and earnest, the whole time believable.

This is not just music made for music’s sake. No Ordinary Anything is an album made for a reason, it has a purpose, and that’s for you to listen to it.

REVIEW LINK:
http://www.buffaloathome.com/Detail.aspx?dct=54&id=3032&mid=1330 - By Brian Campbell - BuffaloatHome.com

Wow. If this album is any indication of the state of independents, then the major labels should be scared or come to their senses...
This is a great rock album made by a singer-songwriter. The lyrics are straight from the heart and musicianship is top-notch. Songs are satisfyingly melodic and hook0filled but not schmoltzy; there's depth but not too heady. I especially love the little "anti-lead" guitar work..reminds me of Travis or even the Edge from time to time.
Excellent vocals, too. Distinct and powerful with a slight rasp. Kinda like smooshing Bruce Springsteen and Melissa Etheridge into one person. No, better yet: Jon Bon Jovi if he could write less anthemic and more emotional. I'm telling you, close your eyes and listen - the Bon Jovi comparison is eerie (no diss intended to either Mr. Bon Jovi or Mr. Squier.) this is all very good stuff.


REVIEW LINK:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewContentsUserReviews?pageNumber=0&type=PlayList&id=128930335&userReviewId=1511781 - Courtesy of itunes