Reviews | July 2009 | Mike Hale "Lives Like Mine" LP/CD

Singer/songwriter Mike Hale's second album "Lives Like Mine" turned out to be one of those records that I really loved right away. You'll probably like it the very first time you hear it, but believe me, it will even get better each time you'll spin it. Most of you are probably familiar with Hale as a rocker in the band In The Red or through his old band Gunmol who were on No Idea Records. Personally, I dig those bands but I like Mike's solo stuff better, this guy right here has some serious talent.

The twelve beautiful songs that makes up "Lives Like Mine" really shows Mike's work at its finest and musically this record is nothing short of awesome. Every note is perfectly placed and it's all so well put together. The guitarpickin' melodies along with Mike's sleepy, yet very present, vocals creates an almost haunting vibe and will most likely catch your full attention. The occasional piano just makes it even more epic. I can't say enough good things about this album, I simply love it.

This isn't exactly the type of record you put on as background music when you're about to clean your house or something, this one should be enjoyed with full attention and respect. My tip would be to simply sit down, shut the hell up and listen to it. From start to finish. It's really the only way you can understand how brilliant this one is. I read somewhere that Mike recently quit his job as a carpenter to be able to put all his time into his music. And it's funny, that even before I read that, I kind of thought of this record as a extremely fine piece of carpentry.

Note:
Suburban Home Records are letting you download this album for free! Don't be an idiot, scroll to the bottom of this site and you'll find a banner. Click it and the songs are yours, no strings attached. Then head on over to VinylCollective.com and buy the physical record to show your support.