"we cannot make a mark on this world anymore because it is against new laws so
I am counting down the days until 2008." - 'Empty Threats'

It's pretty darn clear that there are many things that keep this world un-united. Religion separates, race is a barrier that many refuse to accept [where is the kindness?] and a persons right to choose their sexuality remains at the call of men is suits. Clean-shaven white males who likely enjoy a daily exercise of "grab-ass" with juvenile boys tell us, the "united", who we can choose as our partners for living on this stretch of greener grass. Even those who do not hold a higher office of authority remain locked in a mindset that reads like a blueprint from the 19th century. The year is 2006, and with the inks on decades of papers now bone dry - we are far from unity on such an extreme list of values and human rights.

"I think my neighborhood is safe that I will not get bottles thrown at my head on my way home / my cat won't get attacked by unleashed and aggressive dogs just mimicking their owners of a similar calibur" - 'Empty Threats'

Where as Huey Lewis was a normal guy who happened to like sports and incorporated it into his music¹ - Nathan Carter is a homosexual gentleman {'queer activist', per his label} who calmly shakes his fevered fists at the "powers that be" through song on civil unrest. To the casual listener - those not following the rich lyrics on unrest - you could easily bypass Carter's sexuality and find yourself immersed in the albums steady, harmonious/acoustic textures [see: "Feather, Wing"]. It is when you grasp all that Carter is offering artistically - heartfelt lyrics, all printed for the following in a handsome color booklet with the cd - that you will understand the life & breath put into such an album.

"It was my job to speak up and tell you how I felt, but you hadn't made the effort so why should I be fair? Why should I be fair?" - 'Work And Play'

kaleb gay :: [ august . 06 ]
¹: that was a "joke". the gravity of this album could easily bring me/you down, yet there is so much passion within Carter's art you just have to absorb it - be you straight, bisexual or ignorant.