A Catapult Western, "Brian Died," Mp3 Review

Sometimes, it takes a few listens to realize you’ve found something great. I mean that as a sincere compliment. A Catapult Western is not your typical cookie-cutter band. In fact, their delivery could be categorized as loose and strange. I also find it unique and wonderful. Here, you have a group of musicians who could care less what conventional music lovers think. They are in this for the art and the music. That’s what I like about A Catapult Western, and that’s why I chose to review their great tune, “Brian Died,” from their self-titled debut CD, A Catapult Western.

What drew me initially to this song was the lyrics. The stories that unfold in the song are similar to events and emotions I have experienced myself but have never heard presented musically. It's quite interesting. The first part of the song describes the death of Brian. The singer didn’t know Brian personally, but knew of him, and knew of his mother. When Brian died, it brought out strange memories and emotions. Songwriter Jason Nyberg sings, “I didn't know you when you died, but I sat and watched your mother cry. I didn't really know her either. Her hair was short and blonde, just like I remember.”

Joining Nyberg’s vocals in the chorus, Meghan Rose sings, “Ain't that a shame. What a shame. I only knew your name. What a shame.”

The second half of the song reminisces on another long lost personal connection, one that never seemed to have much substance in the first place, but is still lodged in the memory. This connection was brought back to the forefront of the mind by the discovery of an old photograph. Nyberg again sings, “I don’t know why I care now, since I never gave a sh*t. One day I'll grab the telephone. I'll dial his number, and maybe he'll be home. Then his voice will be familiar. We'll end up friends and will not die strangers."

The chorus again reiterates, “That would be a shame. Yes a shame. If I only knew his name. What a shame.”

The music of the song is mostly a single acoustic guitar with the droning of a vintage Kimball organ in the background. That is, until the end of the tune when the entire band comes in with full rock force. This includes electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, organ, viola, and possibly some other effects thrown in for good measure. It’s passionate, and it rocks.

Many people will come and go in our lives. Some we will run into again. Some will pass away without us having spoken to them in years, if even ever. However, we know who they are, and in a way we will always have a connection to them. That’s how I’ve interpreted, “Brian Died,” by A Catapult Western. Maybe they have an entirely different message behind their song. That’s what is so great about music. Every song hits a person in a different way. You should check out this tune, off of their self-titled debut CD, A Catapult Western, and see what kinds of memories and emotions it evokes in you.  

Artist Website: www.acatapultwestern.com

Reviewed By: ListenersGeneration.com