Eric Corne: Press

Eric Corne
Kid Dynamite And The Common Man
Forty Below

Armed with the lippy snarl and literate, lyrical smarts of Joe Jackson, Eric Corne’s solo debut is an exhilarating listen. The first solo album from the leader of space pop heroes Mysterio, Kid Dynamite And The Common Man covers some vast musical terrain: “Stop & Stare” is a slow, rootsy burn; “Nobody Plays Here Anymore” brings to mind Graham Parker’s successful forays into reggae and “Dead End” and “I Know A Girl” come across as sung by a young, tough Marshall Crenshaw. Flanked by a guest list that includes legendary pedal steel player Greg Leisz, percussionist Danny Frankel (k.d. Lang), drummer Richie Hayward (Little Feat, Eric Clapton), upright bass expert Johnny Bazz (The Blasters), guitarist Eamon Ryland (Happy Mondays) and Nick Urata of DeVotchKa, Corne’s compositions are rich and textured, flecked with marimbas, reed organs, accordions, ukulele and upright bass. Steeped in Americana, new wave and the blues, Kid Dynamite is a ruminative album of tremendous sensitivity, subtly weaving together these ten numbers to reveal a discomfort and unease about the current state of the world. Such as it is. That being said, “Common Man” is a protest song that suggests Peter Case’s early work; the Band-influenced “Blackguard” confronts personal and geographical loneliness, while the apocalyptic “Evil Men” urges, “Gather ‘round my plastic men/Prepare yourselves we’re near the end.” Tuneful, melodic and smart, Kid Dynamite And The Common Man is a stunning musical polemic that uses a light touch to make heavy points.

Having emerged from the same Toronto indie-rock milieu thatspawned Broken Social Scene, Feist and various other well-regarded operatives, Eric Corne boasts an ample resume all his own. His production and engineering credits boast such luminaries as Lucinda Williams, Michelle Shocked, Glen Campbell, DeVotchKa and Walter Trout, helping him acquire a list of contacts that's paid off in more than platitudes. So when he opted to step out solo with Kid Dynamite and the Common Men he had access to an illustrious support crew, one that includes such notables as Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward, pedal steel player Greg Leisz, piano player Skip Edwards and bassist Dusty Wakeman. Credit that all-star ensemble with a sound that's both timeless and resilient.


Still, it's Corne that deserves the bulk of the kudos, given a set of songs themed to the modern malaise. It's an album borne from desperation and disillusionment, a response to the shifting political landscape that's engulfed the nation and the planet in the seven years since 9/11. The Lennonesque "Evil Men" - a song similar in sound to the ex-Beatle's "Isolation" - and Americana entries like the dusty yet determined "Dead End," "Blackguard" and "Stop & Stare" convey a weary resolve and a frayed world view. Corne's sound has frequently been compared to a cross between Elvis Costello and Neil Young, but his compelling delivery elevates him beyond any tell-tale constraints. That said, he isn't reticent about laying bare his influences; the slinking reggae rhythms of "Nobody Plays Here Anymore" and the sprightly Buddy Holly-like lope of "I Know A Girl" show the debt he owes his forebears.


Consequently, Kid Dynamite and the Common Men leaves an enduring impression. As we approach the waning months of 2008, it earns its place as one the year's most dramatic debuts.


Standout tracks: "Dead End," "Stop & Stare," "Blackguard" LEE ZIMMERMAN

Eric Corne
Kid Dynamite and the Common Man


One of the most interesting cds I've received lately is Eric Corne's new cd Kid Dynamite and the Common Man. This is a very diverse collection, from the Dali-esque cd artwork to the music within. Eric has been one busy guy, with his hands in many different projects, as musician, engineer, producer and even teacher (at the Musicians Institute in L.A. where he is located). His engineering and producing credits include Lucinda Williams, Glen Campbell and Walter Trout. The native of Canada was lured to L.A. in 2004 to work at Mad Dog Studios, run by Dusty Wakeman.

The new cd is a very diverse collection of tunes; obviously Eric has been influenced by a wide range of artists. The opening cut, Kid Dynamite/Rancho Mirage starts off will all the rock energy of Neil Young's electric work, while the instrumental second section reeks of vintage Pink Floyd. One of the older tunes on the disc and one of my favorites is Not Familiar, which dates back to Eric's days with his "Space-pop" band Mysterio. You may swear you're listening to The Clash! John Lennon's solo work comes to mind while listening to the lively tune Evil Men. Don McLean's Everyday seems like it must have influenced the bouncy, whimsical I Know A Girl. He adds a reggae beat to the cd with the tune Nobody Plays Here Anymore. No doubt this is a talented dude. He also adds some nice Americana tunes with the songs Dead End and Stop And Stare.

I don't think there is any music lover who wouldn't find something satisfying on this collection; whether it be the musicianship from the star-studded collection of musicians who lend a hand on the disc to the expected fine production and sound, and finally to the music itself!

Sun Rating: 4 out of 5

There isn't much common about former Winnipeg kid Corne's life. Or his impressive debut CD. Thanks to his job as a staff producer/engineer at an L.A. studio, the singer-songwriter's co-stars include members of Little Feat and Lucinda Williams' band. More importantly, it also features a slate of gorgeously ramshackle roots slowburners topped with Corne's pinched, twangy drawl.

As a producer and engineer, Eric Corne (Glen Campbell, Walter Trout, Lucinda Williams, DeVotchKa) steps in front of the mic for his solo record Kid Dynamite & The Common Man. He enlisted over 16 musicians to help out that have experience working with the likes of Clapton, Waits, Marley, Wilco, and Dylan, just to name a few, so clearly the record is full of talent and Corne's songwriting ability is up to the task. Listing influences like Neil Young, Lou Reed, Costello and Joe Strummer you can get a sense of what Kid Dynamite sounds like, which is absolutely a great description. This is a piece of work Corne can be proud of and it is a nice mix of guitar indie rock with a bit of country flare that just takes one listen to make you return for more!