- Release Info -------------------------------------------------------------- -

  Artist:      David Seume
  Album:       It Is What It Is
  Label:       Self Released
  Playtime:    41:16 min
  Genre:       Indie
  URL:         http://davidseume.com/
  Rip date:    2009-06-06
  Street date: 2008-12-06
  Size:        58.18 MB
  Type:        Normal
  Quality:     186 kbps / 4410kHz / Joint Stereo

- Release Notes ------------------------------------------------------------- -

   It takes willpower for a singer-songwriter to record, produce and mix every
   track on his debut album. Kansas City, North, musician David Seume’s It Is
   What It Is showcases hard work, determination and hunger for a new
   experience. The album gives a glimpse into the influences and circumstances
   that led Seume, a former member of various bands, to this point as a solo
   artist.

   The opening track, “The Fire,” is somewhat misleading. At first it sounds
   like a simple rock number with lots of guitars and fierce vocals. The kind of
   thing that doesn’t jump out and demand your attention. But it lays the
   foundation for Seume’s attempt to mix styles. The second song, “Friends Like
   These,” employs horns, lighter melodies and even chirping birds.

   It’s a reminder that this isn’t your typical debut. That you shouldn’t judge
   it from song to song, rather as a collection.

   While the harder, in-your-face tracks hold their own nicely, I was much more
   drawn to the looser, more laid-back tracks because I’m a sucker for “oooh
   oooh ooooohs” and light guitar strumming. Seume seems more comfortable with
   songs like “Will You Be My Friend,” whose style better suits his voice.

   The album has a lot of production and added touches, as if Seume couldn’t let
   the music speak for itself. In addition to the chirping birds, he’s mixed in
   locusts between tracks, giving the impression that you’re outside. The sounds
   give the album room to spread out a bit, but they also feel tacked on. The
   effects aren’t enough to distract from the songs, but you definitely notice
   them.

   Seume has reworked a lot of these songs through the years, but it’s hard to
   believe his “Revolution Son” ever sounded better than it does here.

   Light and poppy choices, such as “I’d Be Without You,” serve as a reminder
   that Seume can rock out with guitars and intensity, but he’s best when he
   keeps it simple. The catchy melodies and sing-along lyrics will take him far.
   He’s definitely one to keep your eye on.

- Track List ---------------------------------------------------------------- -

  01. The Fire                                                          ( 2:55)
  02. Friends Like These                                                ( 4:42)
  03. Baby Now                                                          ( 3:43)
  04. I'd Be Without You                                                ( 3:26)
  05. Leavin                                                            ( 2:35)
  06. Apple Tree                                                        ( 4:54)
  07. Speaking Of The Devil                                             ( 3:05)
  08. Emily                                                             ( 3:49)
  09. Something You May Wanna Know                                      ( 4:34)
  10. Will Ya Be My Friend                                              ( 4:07)
  11. Revolution Son                                                    ( 3:26)

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