Steve Kilpatrick

WHAT SOME REALLY INTELLIGENT , HIGHLY EVOLVED PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT “WESTSIDE CROP CIRCLES”

It's hard to tell you about this one. Steve Kilpatrick has created one of the few self-released albums truly deserving of the designation "masterpiece." Primarily a guitarist, Kilpatrick has devoted years to cranking out R&B covers on the "animal club" circuit, playing some of the finest Elks, Eagles, Moose, etc. halls in the greater Lansing, MI area. All the while, he's been writing and recording totally original, expertly crafted music that he refuses to play out, claiming that he's "incapable and uninterested" in playing solo or fronting his own band.

Well,Steve, I don't know much about your interests - except that judging by the songs you write they're expansive and, ummm, unusual - but your capabilities obviously exceed your judgement. Westside Crop Circles is probably the only album I've ever heard that reminds me of both Brian Wilson and William Burroughs, and I mean that in the best possible way. The title is appropriate, because just when you think there's something conventional going on here, Kilpatrick tosses in something that makes you wonder "How did that get here?" And it works every time.

Kilpatrick sings and plays everything on the album, which is usually an indication of unwarranted musical conceit. Not this time. Every element fits every track perfectly, and his approach is so unique that any additional presence would have seemed like an alien intrusion. This disc originally appeared too early to make my "Best Albums Of 2002" list, but it's unquestionably the best indie self-release I've heard for the first time this year.

I love (this cd) – it's beautifully done in every regard...I'm so impressed by the songwriting, singing, instrumental performance and arranging....The guitar work throughout is fabulous-very imaginative and polished and the uniqueness of point of view is especially refreshing. I also love the eclecticism which evokes far-flung masters from Roy Orbison to Brian Wilson and many more, yet never merely mimics them but instead breathes of their spirit.....I get sent a fair amount of (promo etc) CD's – this is my favorite by far.

Kilpatrick's “Westside Crop Circles” is a wonderful jumble of contradictions; pure pop melodies like “Bigplan” nestle along quirky takes like “Bruno” and it's sampled dog bark chorus. “Multi-Generational” brings to mind the Residents and Tom Waits is hinted at elsewhere. As a singer-songwriter, Steve Kilpatrick makes dark, avant-folk songs that hold up under repeated listening. ****

It's always a pleasure to encounter an artist who clearly doesn't give a f*** about commercial success. Michigan-based guitarist Steve Kilpatrick flirts with popular styles but subverts expectations at every turn. Leaping merrily from quirky western pop a la Chris Isaak (“Brothers-In-Law” , “Conjugal Visit”) to country music parodies (“Worried Mind”, “Me & Oprah, My Pajamas and the Pain”), spooky Tom Waits-inspired art-rock (“Multi-Generational”), Andy Partridge-like working-class pastorals (“Me & The Bank”), Brian Wilson-meets-John Fahey pop hybrids (“Bigplan”), and jazz fusion dog-bark oddness (“Bruno”), Kilpatrick keeps the listener off balance at all times. Some folks may not be ready to handle such unfettered creativity....,but Steve will always be welcome in my Universe.

A Lansing loner with arsenal ranging from country storytellers ("Conjugal Visit") to quirky pseudo-jazz ("Multi-Generational"), Steve Kilpatrick favors the quirky, affable edge.

"Brothers-In-Law" is a Dire Strait-sy track with a funny story line about a slacker who misses his sister's ex-husband because they were kindred couch potatoes. Her new one just doesn't understand his 'bohemian ways"....

"Bigplan" , a crafty tune with a 'nice guy' crooning is about an estranged father kidnapping his daughter or rescuing a lonely spinster from a life of boredom...Strangely touching either way, especially with the white-bread ending fade chorus of "If Jesus really loves me there's a Molson hiding in this fridge".

"Smell that Rainbow" is a Hendrix-y instrumental that evolves into "Me and Oprah, My Pajamas and the Pain" a cry-in-your-cider ballad about getting dumped for the paperboy. In a flash of cornpone genius, a ludicrous Oak Ridge Boys type baritone enters testifying 'bout the Lord--very "Hee Haw" talking about the comfort of his jammies.

In all, a sweet and soulful goof from a literate good ol' boy. "Westside Crop Circles" is at once easy and weird, warm and witty.

Steve is a storyteller who happens to own a few instruments. He writes very specific ideas and themes. There's no Foreigner or Air Supply about this guy; he's not trying to water down feelings and stories for the sake of a mass audience....”Multi-Generational” is one of the weirdest ; you might call it a combo meal of Brian Wilson and a bored Prince-out comes the electric guitar, the dog keeps barking on the beat , the hand-clapping keeps up, a voice steals from the Turtles...Very odd. This cd has to be heard to be believed. And understood.

Steve Kilpatrick does it all on this CD ; he writes the songs and plays all the instruments. He's a regular Prince (or whatever he is called today)...however, Mr Kilpatrick has a wicked, twisted imagination, which Prince could only wish for. Just my type of humour in these lyrics. He covers the whole gamut of 'dark' topics in today's culture; teenage sex , brothers-in-law, kidnapping, conjugal visits in prison, neighborhood gigolos, burglary, modern finances, and of course , broken relationships. But what about the music? Picture a psychedelic jazz-rockabilly, mixed with Captain Beefheart, Syd Barrett, and Simon and Garfunkel ! Rockabilly with authentic guitar sounds. Free form jazz guitar solos. Guitar instrumentals such as “Smell That Rainbow”, which is kinda like a “Son-of-Little Wing”. Church-like harmonies on one song; vocals slowed down for effect on others.

There ain't a bad song on this album, but I'll talk about a few of my favorites. Some songs I can't make heads or tails of the lyrics, such as “Adjustments”. It is a Syd Barrett-type accoustic guitar ditty with vocals like Art Garfunkel....”Bigplan” has weird lyrics about kidnapping set to a beautiful tune....”Multi-Generational” contains bizarre vocals on a track that makes me think of Captain Beefheart. Sure, Johnny Cash sang about life in prison, but has any singer celebrated the conjugal visit? Steve Kilpatrick does on “Conjugal Visit”, another rockabilly tune with more fine guitar work ! The hilarious “Me & Oprah, My Pajamas and the Pain” starts out like your typical country song of heartbreak; lovers who leave, alcohol, drugs, Jesus and finally left with 'Oprah , my pajamas , and the pain'...Finally, my favorite track on the album is “Worried Mind”, a catchy tune with some fine finger-pickin'! Complete with lyrics about being'violated' by someone burglarizing your house.

WESTSIDE CROP CIRCLES is so far removed from your everyday album that I find it refreshing ! Sure, there are many styles influencing the music, but when tied together with Kilpatrick's unique lyrics, a coherent mix is achieved. ****1/2

...Here's another unconventional singer-songwriter who's doing his thing with interesting results....this is among the most interesting albums I've heard. It's not folk, pop or rock, but a hybrid chock full of stories and neat instrumentation, not to mention some Beach Boys style harmonies on “Bigplan”. Songs like “Bruno the Neighborhood Lovegod” and “Me and Oprah, My Pajamas and the Pain” will make you look twice at the lyrics sheet and, then make you wonder why they let Creed make records.

Music is a passion. There are a lot of talented musicians in this world that play like nobody’s business, but don’t have the time in their lives to make music a full-time pursuit. Other priorities become more important, and sadly, music has to take a back seat to other pursuits.

However, a lot of people do come back to music eventually, or find small snippets of time to pursue their passion. Eventually, some are able to achieve goals that they never felt would be realized. Some are able to put out really good stuff.

That’s the case with Steve Kilpatrick. He is an incredibly talented musician who has managed to turn his musical dreams into reality with the recording Westside Crop Circles. At first look, the project seems to be just another DIY recording; however, it’s anything but- The songs are all very unique, both musically and lyrically! Steve is able to write songs based on everyday and not-so-everyday occurrences; real-life situations that occupy your waking hours, and take over your life! Some of the lyrics are hilarious, some are touching, and others manage both within the same song! Consider, for instance, a song entitled 'Rough and Tough'. From the beginning, the lyrics describe the process of diapering a very animated subject, and you assume he’s talking about a baby. However, as the song progresses, you realize that he’s talking about an elderly person, and at that point, the lyrics take on an entirely different meaning. What has been a funny picture in your mind suddenly becomes not just funny, but touching. In fact, anyone that has ever cared for an ailing parent or grandparent will be left in tears – from laughing and crying!

Others songs are just plain hilarious. 'Brothers-in-Law' is a great song that speaks of losing one brother-in-law to divorce, and gaining a new one. The old brother-in-law was a buddy, and fellow couch potato; however, the new brother-in-law is not, and as such, is not impressed with Steve’s (or whoever's) 'Bohemian ways'. Another, called 'Conjugal Visit' is even funnier.

There are thirteen songs on Westside Crop Circles, and every one is just as interesting as the one before it! The liner notes are priceless, because they give you a chance to read every lyric! Personally, I think that everybody will find a song on this CD that they will identify with; Steve will become, in some ways, like a friend that you’ve never met; a friend with whom you have shared life experiences.

If the only creative element you found on Westside Crop Circles was the lyrical content, then it would be worth the asking price. However, Steve is also a very talented musician. In particular, he plays guitar like nobody’s business! 'Brothers-in-Law', the first track on the album, includes a red-hot guitar solo that reminded me a lot of Mark Knopfler’s playing! As song after song played, I was impressed every time with the guitar playing. Steve also played every other instrument, and arranged every song! The musical styles are varied, and he seems every bit as comfortable playing a rambunctious bluesy tune as he does playing mellower, more melodic stuff. There is attention to detail, too, that I haven’t heard on other DIY projects. The background vocals on 'Caroline' are astounding! The vocal effects and jazzy feel of 'Bruno the Love God' blew me away, too! I don’t think words are effective enough to convey my thoughts and feelings regarding this project. You just have to hear it to know what I’m talking about!

It’s just that simple. Westside Crop Circles is an incredible CD by a very talented artist. The material included will touch you emotionally, but it will also feed the need inside of you for hearing great music. Many may classify the project as a novelty, and to do so is unfair. It is so much more than that! I predict that it will become one of your favorites after you’ve heard it all the way through! Contact Steve Kilpatrick, and get your very own copy of Westside Crop Circles today!---Mark Lush, MWB 12/12/03 *Listen for Steve Kilpatrick on MWB RADIO!

Jon Worley of Aiding & Abetting.com says:

Loopy, and sometimes spooky, songs driven by bluesy, technically-picked guitar...

Kilpatrick's general style is all over the book, though since his songs are built solidly around whatever guitar line he's created (and often enough it's just him and his guitar), the general feel is minimalist. He might be playing some blues or a little rockabilly (his two favorite influences), but the sound is fairly consistent.

A cool, kick-back sort of album. And while every little thing on this disc was created by Kilpatrick, he really doesn't fit into the whole singer-songwriter stereotype. More of a mad scientist who knows how to write good songs. I like that, myself.

Sacramento freelancer J. Dalton Philyaw synopsises the CD's lyrics {He's a little off here and there, but fairly close elsewhere - SK}

1] Brothers-in-Law - A fond rememberance of one lazy bastard lolling about on a lumpy couch while getting loaded and solving the world's problems w/ an ex-brother-in-law
2] Bruno the Neighborhood Lovegod - The negative effects and worldwide impact of marriage on the proverbial "stud" salesman taken into the business by his father-in-law and how he ends up telling his sales victim to think of him as "Daddy"
3] Bigplan - A diatribe of demented behavior, religion and special education assistance as a plan is developed to kidnap a mentally challenged woman. The song also exhibits strong religious undertones when Jesus is asked to prove his love by making a beer magically appear in a refrigerator
4] Multi-Generational - The melodic presence of a chain gang serves as the backdrop for an expose on the positive and negative effects of a cooperative five generational family living under one roof
5] Adjustments - Mommy relates the difficulties of weaning Junior and reflects on Daddy's uselessness in day to day child care.
6] Conjugal Visit - Catchy tune with an odd twist that relates the anticipation of a reliable husband while he is getting ready to visit his wife to practice the "horizontal hula" behind bars
7] Worried Mind - God takes action to straighten out a perverted ne`er do well and shows His effect on the mental state of the anal retentive guy who calls in the Police, most likely with insurance fraud on his mind
8] Smell That Rainbow - The One-Minute-Manager meets Jimi Hendrix
9] Me & Oprah, My Pajamas and the Pain - The painful repercussions experienced by an anti-social, jilted couch potato with an Oprah fetish
10] Rough & Tough - Unusually twisted song that portrays the difficulties encountered while caring for a senile, elderly lady who can't care for herself and s***s her pants a lot
11] Me & the Bank - A cynical observation of modern day enslavement due to indebtedness
12] Old People Hours - The anthem of a generation
13] The Lonely Tonight - The dilemma of being confronted by the "Mother of all lonely nights" thrust upon a jilted wrestling fan in need of a b*** j**

Mark Pucci of 'Blacklisted Journalist' says;

This is a great cd... First off, Steve has a great voice. His guitar playing has that cool bluesy feel that has a rugged, midwestern appeal to it. His songs are original and the lyrics unique. Songs such as Brother-in-law and The Lonely Tonight demonstrate Steve’s songwriting capabilities. There are so many different influences to which one could compare his style, yet I think it is best to declare Steve’s his own. Taken collectively he has a signature sound that is all his own. It is one of those packaged compositions so eclectic and varied, unique and full of melody that you could keep it in your car stereo for weeks. It is good the whole way through, and that I think is the great litmus test for music – something you can listen to over and over.

Dan Angott of 'MyFirstBand.com' says;

Imagine if Chris Isaak and Brian Wilson got married, and included in the wedding party were Tom Waits, Was (Not Was), and a "Workingman's Dead" era Jerry Garcia. Throw in some stellar guitar playing and a healthy dose of dark humor and you've got "Westside Crop Circles" by Lansing, Michigan guitarist/singer/songwriter Steve Kilpatrick. That's not to say that this CD isn't completely original and offbeat, exactly the kind of anti-corporate stuff that leaves radio programmers scratching their heads, but then that's the whole point of exposing yourself to something new, isn't it...

Genevieve Will of 'Indie-Music.com' says;

Although based out of Michigan, Steve Kilpatrick still storms the South successfully with an Elvis-style twang and bluegrass themed guitar picking with an eerie Primus-like twist. If I put his new album, West Side Crop Circles, in a genre, I’d have to call it funky country. Additionally, this Elvis is a stand-up comedian. Surprisingly though, Kilpatrick’s humor is not a gimmick to cover for other areas lacking as it is for some bands. This misplaced northerner has a hearty handle on smart lyrics, upbeat guitar, and smooth vocals.

A strange journey to take for sure, but if you’re interested in the ride, I’ll vouch for some excellent guitar on Kilpatrick’s part and recommend you some tracks as well. “Brothers-in-law” is simply hilarious... “Adjustments” and “Me and the Bank” are similarly entertaining although more realistic and easier to relate to. And if you don’t listen to anything else on the album, get a great dose of Kilpatrick’s mad skills on guitar in “Smell that Rainbow.”

Steve Ekblad of Audiogrid.com says

"......An amazing guitar player, a unique song craftsman and arranger.....Steve Kilpatrick deserves to be promoted and listened to by a large audience....

(to read the full review, click here)