Karl
Wallinger was an enormous talent. Think Pet Sounds only across the
board a million light years better melodically, lyrically, consistently
and production wise. Karl was the legit GOAT.
Fame did not elude
him. Chances are you know "She's the One" The Waterboys and World
Party. I didn't stumble into Karl for real until World Party's 2000
release of "Dumbing Up" I was gobsmacked still am.
The song
list just pours out effortlessly with dynamics, pacing, tempo and chops.
There isn't a weak cut on the whole effort. Think of the best concept
albums that flow track to track and then raise your expectations by a
million. Prepare not to be disappointed even for a moment.
"What
Does It Mean Now" still hit's me squarely in the solar plexus every
time. "Who Are You" effortlessly does Dylan better than Dylan at his
upper most. It's mind blowing and I love his voice. "Are you the problem
or the answer who are you" just jaw dropping. The shredding on "Here
Comes The Future" is delicious. Talent oozes out of him as he just
breathes.
After track six you can't possibly think he will meet
or exceed expectations and that's where the tracks just effortless float
you along on a cloud of "High Love" in a higher mind. Slow dance with
someone you love with this one.
Shortly thereafter in 2006 we got
to see him briefly in a small club at the Beach. We sat basically in
his lap. It was a warm up gig before a bigger show in D.C. but it was a
real treat. Who doesn't enjoy spending quality time with the band at
the bar.
I was just thinking about him last week wondering what
he was up to and now this. In a time when we need all our voices for
words of positivity, insight and laughter Karl's will be missed.
Here comes the future hope that you can work it out.
When boys and girls are laughing in every nation
When the Truth is pursued for relaxation
When living with the world is our aspiration
When
there's no mileage in hate, and no gas-stations
And the creatures are
protected from mammals to crustaceans
And the soul has found it's
liberation
You know this is always on my mind
I'll miss you Karl
It's like a light surrounds your face.
