Julie Gold
Sixty
December 9, 2016
Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes
In the liner notes on her brand-new album, Sixty, singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner (“From a Distance”) Julie Gold notes: “Some of these songs are very old and some are very new. All are very honest. They are individual snapshots of my life.” Such friendly truths are the things that she is famous for. It’s captured here on this eclectic mix by one of today’s most relevant songwriters. Singing her own songs (no guests here) she celebrates turning sixty with this album of twelve gems.
Gold has always had a gift for nailing people’s quiet thoughts. Lyrically, most of the songs here peek through a personal window of memories along with contemporary observations about the fast-lane and times we live in ruled by passwords, status changes and peer pressures. The second cut, “Anxious and Depressed,” mischievously captures this, as well as being a kooky example of the drug-fueled, OCD madness that permeates so many people in a society racing from this to that. The fun song touches a nerve: “… don’t give me hugs, give me drugs… nothing turned out like I hoped it would, therefore I am anxious and depressed… it’s so hard to find that inner peace,” etc. She gently confronts issues such as today’s racism and socio-political conflicts in the great opening cut “The Real World.” “Southbound Train” is a gorgeous ballad about looking back: “… I remember your voice and the sound of goodbye.
” The cute bio-ode “Philadelphia” gives a high-spirited shout to her hometown and move to New York. The songs are catchy and imaginative (perfect ingredients for hits!). “Eddie” is a sweet song about a first crush. “Roscoe” is a silly romp about a repelled canine: “Roscoe, the bed bug sniffing dog.” “Love Is a Song” is a dreamy tale of failed romance: “…here’s to the dream that we may one day love again… we tried to hold on tight but love said goodbye.” Such simply placed, yet profound words and music that we’ve all touched on.
The disc is overflowing with material that singers would want to consider when putting together their next show. Unlike a few songwriters who occasionally drown in overly indulged angst, Julie Gold uses her innate observations on life and fuels it all into uncomplicated words that are compelling. Such an understated style is no easy feat and is testament to the greatness of this straightforward songwriter. Too, the album rates as an exceptional disc from this (or any) decade by a gifted lady who brings honest, hopeful messages to her fans that can bring a tear to the eye—or dissolve the listener in guffaws. As aforementioned, the songs are snapshots of her life.
And, aren’t we the lucky ones to share her journey up close —or “from a distance.”
