Hopper’s organic sound a refreshing experience

Robin Hopper’s “Pass It On” has a very big acoustic sound, perfect in tone and authentic sounding, indicating she probably mic’d the sound hole of her acoustic guitar rather than plugging it in direct.

Even though acoustic-electrics are more convenient to use, especially in a live venue, there’s a lot to be said for the warmness in sound that results from playing it in front of a good microphone. I’m guessing that Robin Hopper was going for a more organic sound, reminding me of that easygoing quality in music you might expect to hear on a Christopher Cross album, or maybe Bread.

I love the word pictures Hopper paints in her songs, reading like an old classic that resonates with a deep sense of sentimentality, a reminiscence of simpler times suddenly gone complicated and awry by time and unforseen occurrence. In “I’ve Wished You back,” Hopper reflects: “I haven’t moved a thing since you’ve been gone. Your chair is facing just the way you like … a thousand times I’ve wished you back to me.”

“That Girl’s In Love” is an instant classic, if you ask me. I’m surprised I haven’t heard of Robin Hopper prior to purchasing her album at Fireside Books in Palmer. The way she describes this girl in her song there can be no other explanation than that she’s in love. Listen: “Being with you looks good on her, but if you ask her she’ll probably deny. … That girl’s in love. You’re the reason why.”

On this track, there are some great moments of instrumental interlude between acoustic guitar and mandolin that makes for a most perfectly enjoyable tune.

This album has been a nice break from the head-banging metal bands that keep springing up in the Valley. Don’t get me wrong, I love reviewing those too, it’s just nice to be able to mix it up a little from time to time. Pick up a copy of Robin Hopper’s “Pass It On” at Fireside Books in Palmer, or visit Robin’s Web site at www.alaska.net/~njneer/robin.html.

Josh Cole is a local musician and CD connoisseur. For a possible review of a new release, e-mail Cole at lettersfromthevoid@yahoo.com or at Myspace.com/familiarwalls.