By Paul T. Mueller –
Guitar fans could be forgiven for neglecting the lyrics on Back to the Garden, the new CD by Rich Hopkins and Luminarios. Such is the quality of the playing, both electric and acoustic. But the words are worth listening to as well. The two singer-songwriters at the heart of this band, Hopkins and his wife, Lisa Novak, have things to say, and they’re good at saying them.
Garden is an appealing if slightly uneven mix of guitar pop and country, fueled by the “desert rock” approach of Arizonan Hopkins and the country-folk sensibilities of Texan Novak. Most of the 11 tracks feature the excellent electric tones of Hopkins and guitarist/singer Damon Barnaby, backed by Novak’s acoustic playing. Hopkins and Novak share most of the vocals, whether alternating as duet partners or harmonizing beautifully – the latter evoking the sound of the Byrds and the Beatles.
An optimistic tone underlies much of the album. “All are welcome in this garden,” Novak sings in “The Garden.” “All that matters here is who you love.” Given that the album’s title can be found in Joni Mitchell’s classic “Woodstock,” it’s a sweet message that seems fitting as the 50th anniversary of that iconic event approaches.
It’s not all rainbows and unicorns. “Before” addresses current conditions, if obliquely. “Did you see the darkness, feel it in the air?” Novak asks, backed by ringing guitars. “Don’t turn a blind eye, ignoring that it’s there.” Other highlights include “On and On,” a tribute to the craft of songwriting and playing; “Always a Way,” about making relationships function (the next four words are “to work it out”), and “Keep on Shinin’,” a country-flavored Novak composition about resilience after heartbreak.
Less successful are a couple of rants – “Get Off the Telephone,” lamenting the way technology takes over lives, and “Pissed,” which takes issue with slobs who can’t be bothered to pick up their trash.
Fun fact: The album’s opening track, “Acoma Mary,” features lead guitar by Steve Hunter – who, among many other accomplishments, was responsible (along with Dick Wagner) for the long and lovely intro to “Sweet Jane” on Lou Reed’s Rock n Roll Animal album from 1974. Numerous other talented players contributed, and production, by Hopkins and Novak, is clean and bright.