Dave Stephens - Stories For Copper :: Not Lame Recordings - power pop and melodic rock record label, music and CDs

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Dave Stephens - Stories For Copper

2006 release from Dave Stephens who leads off "Stories For Copper" with a song entitled "I`ve Woken Up" that has that "Bellybutton"-era Jellyfish vibe and even works in a bit of Freddie Mercury pop. Indeed, a lot of this album is grounded in Mercury-styled piano pop as "The Man I Once Knew" shows most effectively. His debut, "Here We Go.." impressed, but this one takes what was hinted there to another level. Fans of David Grahame, Doug Powell, Emitt Rhodes(lots!) and Phil Angotti need to spend some time with Dave Stephens, for sure! But what is most striking and makes this album hang around long after the lights are turned off is that Stephens knows his way around a song, taking his cues equally from McCartney, Lennon and Harrison and, principally, writing on piano. This songs would hold up if it they were just voice and piano, even though they are full embellished with instrumental attention. Delicious, slow yet soaring, yet simple melodies all over.

"Dave Stephens is just the kind of artist that fits perfectly into our radio show. He would fit nicely on anyone`s stereo. This Canadian artist struck as as an artist who falls into the Emitt Rhodes school of pop. We dont` like to compare one artist to another(Ed: leave that to me! Bruce @ Not Lame) and although he doesn`t actually sound like Rhodes or Paul McCartney or Ali Thomson for that matter - either way - Dave Stephens is the real deal. His songs are infectous."-TimeMachineBlog. "His melodies are chock full of hooks, yet the easy use of rubato, syncopation and other musical devices reveal his high level of musicianship."-CanMusic. Very Highly Recommended!!

I`ve Woken Up - mp3

Full Circle - mp3

Just Enough - mp3

Alive - mp3

The Man That I Once Knew - mp3

Let Me Be - mp3

Customer Reviews

Dave Stephens rocks out!

Reviewer: Richard MacNeill

Been waiting with anticipation for this album and it delivers. A great mix of ballads and rock delivered in the unique stylings of Mr. Dave Stephens. Haven't been able to get it out of my head since listening. Can't wait for the live show

Indie Launchpad Review

Reviewer: Colin Meeks

I love the pure form of pop, with a catchy melody and infectious vocals. Mix with that a wonderfully relaxed and mellow side and you have all the ingredients of Stories for Copper. Dave Stephens opens with a belter in "I've Woken Up", framing the album nicely, but then takes a more mellow turn into "The Man That I Once Knew". After listening to this album a couple of times, the name Harry Nilsson kept popping into my head and indeed for the next 3 songs there is a definite Nilsson influence. Track 6, "Memories for Me" takes an apparent 180 degree turn with an almost rockabilly fueled back drop, but it's not as radical as it sounds, when the song gets up to full steam. I do however like something that surprises and keeps you on your toes and this album is definitely that. My favorite song has to be "Full Circle". A beautifully simple melody, with complimenting accompaniment and a great vocal quality. It's just goes to show, that sometimes the simplest of songs are the best. This is a stunning track that has me pushing the back button again and again on my CD player. This is the second album from Canadian Dave Stephens, the first being "Here We Go". I first found Dave via a song from the first album, featured on the Not Lame podcast and from my limited listening of that album, it's also something worth checking out if you enjoy this one.