A Thousand Drops Of Rain

“A Thousand Drops Of Rain” The Errant Hair
Local!! Another time-traveling odyssey from extraordinary Monterey-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Michael Brooks. Was in several successful Monterey Bay area bands over the years including Poco Loco and The Agents. Intriguing range of musical styles—from 70s prog rock to singer-songwriter fare and folk rock or Americana. Wonderful variety, with exceptional musicianship from a truly talented artist. RIYL: The Doors, Tom Petty, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band or an array of other acts from the 60s and 70s.
— Francis

Recommended: 8, 4, 5, 2, 7, 9. No FCCs detected.

1. (3:26) Been Thinkin’ ‘Bout You — Simple guitar-based folk rock. Mid-tempo with a strong backbeat and heartfelt, yearning vocals.
2. (5:27) Peace And Love — Elegant chamber pop with a hint of the psychedelic 60s. Fuses vibrant guitar with bright synths and other keys. Deliberate, stately tempo. Doubled, harmonized vocals. ***
3. (4:35) There — Urgent rocker featuring something like a harpsichord and great organ solos. Repetitive musical phrases underscore the lyrical intensity.
4. (4:43) Parlor Trick — Sweet and sentimental. Nicely lilting pop rock, with fingerpicked guitar and synth orchestration. Somewhat sad vocals. ****
5. (6:04) Laugh So Hard You Cry — Organ riffs and guitar chords that are right out of the rockin’ 60s. Harmonized lead vocals like the Moody Blues. A throwback prog rock anthem! ****
6. (3:30) I’m Floating Home — Lightly uplifting singer-songwriter tune with piano, guitar and accordion (or synth equivalent?). Nice throaty guitar in the lead breaks.
7. (4:31) Wild And Crazy Love — Strummed acoustic and jangly electric guitar over a sprightly rhythm track. A bit of an Americana feeling to this one. ***
8. (8:35) Emerald Eyes and Crimson Hair (The Golden Band) — The Errant Hair is at his best with these long-form compositions. Layered synths, guitar, banjo, fiddle and more, plus earnest storytelling vocals reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen — with several shifts in tempo and energy. Epic! ****
9. (5:07) Another Time And Another Place — Fun finisher. Chamber pop demeanor with its prominent keys, but with a solid rock framework. Guitar, organ and piano. Playful lyrics. Circus-vibe, psych trail-out. ***