Another Season by Tim Helmen

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As I selected the material to include on this recording, I wanted a project that was more than simply a collection of assorted songs. I wanted a record that could be listened to and taken in as a single unit from beginning to end. I wanted lyrical and musical variety, a sense of no song sounding like another, yet all of them fitting together in a unified, coherent whole.

So what I give you on "Another Season" is ten songs, presented with just my voice, and my guitar, recorded with a warm, inviting, intimate sound. Ten songs of searching...and being found.

Won't you join me? There's a moment of truth we can steal.

--Tim Helmen

"Tim Helmen's CD gives you exactly what you get when you go to hear him live: voice, guitar, original, thoughtful songwriting. Hopefully you are paying attention to the lyrics as you're listening. Tim's lyrics offer insightful looks at the people and world around him, with a touch of inspiration."

--Wendy V, Local Blend (www.wendyv.com)

A reveiw from The Phantom Tollbooth (www.tollbooth.org):

Minnesota has brought us some amazing songwriters and musicians over the years. From Dylan to Prince, the state has offered a wide range of abilities, styles, and talents. Lately, there has been a plethora of underground singer/songwriters that have formed a loose community between them. Most notable among these are Jonathan Rundman, Matt Patrick, Nate Houge, and Blaine Howard.

Out of that community comes another performer in the name of Tim Helmen. His disc, _Another Season_, gives obvious nods to Dylan and Bill Mallonee, but also features a few more subtle influences as well. Vocally, he is a prototypical coffeehouse, acoustic guitar, easy to listen to type of singer.

"Dance You a Story" is a Dylan meets Mark Knopfler type of piece. "Room for Cream" depicts a chance meeting between two people in a coffeehouse, and projects what might happen. "Unchallenged Echoes" is old school folk in the mode of Nate Houge or T-Bone Burnett. "When the Phone Rings" features a VOL guitar riff with more Dylan/Burnett style singing.

"Run With the Saints" shows Helmen in his best Bob mode, but with better inflection and more tuneful vocals. "Long Shot", my favorite of these, is about rough life in a small town, and the inhabitants who cling to the tiniest sliver of hope they can find.

Like many folkies, Helmen has a pleasant voice that doesn't overstretch, handles his guitar adeptly, and is at his weakest when reaching for higher notes. Another Season is almost an hour's worth of music that fits comfortably while reading, contemplating, or drinking coffee.

Brian A. Smith 6/4/2005

3 1/2 out of 5 tocks

www.tollbooth.org

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