Barton Hartshorn, Died of Boredom and Came Back As Me
BFD/The Orchard
Reviewed by: Kim Walter, Nov 2019

I was introduced to this musician as part of my ongoing random interview series, and discovered that, not only is he witty and charming, his music has a distinct 70’s California groove, and he’s not even from here! In fact he’s a Brit who has spent a lot of time in France, where he was influenced by the French chanteuse singing tradition, which lends some of his songs almost a cabaret quality. I think he would be just as at home on a Broadway stage as in a small nightclub. He says he tried to capture the 70’s west coast vibe cruising along the canyons of LA, and I think he got it perfect! Listen and you will know what I mean. My faves: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.

slow/med - mellow song evoking warm memories
slow/med - a groovy, lighthearted tune, perfect for cruising around
Med - upbeat and with a good message
Slow to med and back - throaty and heartfelt
Med - tempo varies in this cruising tune
Med - a theatrical beginning, profound lyrics (do it yourself)
slow/med - larger, more harmonic vocals, emotional
Med - a highlighted track: groovy, mellow, nice jam in the middle
med/fast - upbeat, fun song
Med - definite cruising music with profound lyrics