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CD REVIEW: Paul Kloschinsky - Better Late Than Never
By Cyrus Rhodes - 02/02/2015 - 05:50 PM EST

Artist: Paul Kloschinsky
Album: Better Late Than Never
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.kloschinsky.com
Genre: Acoustic Rock, Singer Songwriter and Sadcore
Sounds Like: The Eagles, Marc Ford, Black Crows, Gov’t Mule, John Cougar, Northern Mississippi All-stars, The All
Technical Grade: 5/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 5/10
Commercial Value: 5/10
Overall Talent Level: 6/10
Songwriting Skills: 5/10
Performance Skill: 5/10
Best Songs: Give Me A Sign, Across the Sea, Sundown Tonight, title track
Weakness: Winded Songs, Engineering aspects (recording, Mixing, Mastering), Liner Notes, Pitchy Vocals, More vocal risk-taking, Cheesy Karaoke drum machine, Timing aspects, Marketability
CD Review: Paul Kloschinsky was born in Saskatchewan in 1963. He received a BSc in Computer Science and an MD from the University of British Columbia in the 1980's. He is now an avid photographer, songwriter and poet. Paul lives in Delta, BC, Canada. He won the 2007 MusicAid Award for Best Canadian Songwriter for his original song "Wearin' Blue." In 2009, Paul received a Merit Award from the New York Institute of Photography. In 2010, he received a Merit Award from Color Magazine for his photography, and was accepted as a full member of the League of Canadian Poets. He has published three volumes of poetry and has released two musical CDs of his original songs.

The CD wastes no time getting off the ground with melodic intro piece “Across the Sea”. This song serves up infectious folk ambiance against mesmerizing vocals, hypnotic guitar and driving rock rhythm that leads you by the hand down the path of soulful musical indulgence. Track 2 “Better Late Than Never” shifts gears a bit with its slamming Keyboard and impressive musical build to the chorus and thought provoking lyrical content, inviting/soulful vibe and infectious charm from Kloschinsky. Track 3 “When Dawn Breaks Through the Night” a somewhat striking piece that is full of musical peaks and valleys, impressive rhythm guitar that flow and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of a classic Roy Orbison, John Cougar. Todd Rungren, Marc Ford, Gov’t Mule, John Cougar, Northern Mississippi All-stars, The Allman Brothers and Tom Petty. I would classify this music as rocked out Soul, Singer/Songwriter and Americana Folk-Rock with a fun and electrifying flair. The CD at times adequate brilliant peak and valley flow via a strong American perspective (via the lyrics) that takes no prisoners. Besides the four piece standard you will also notice rich layers of Electric Guitar, solo guitar, Keyboards, and enticing melodies - all built on a electronic drum rhythmic foundation. As a vocalist Kloschinsky showcases a budding and soulful singing skill set. He’s got good songwriting instincts. He’s got a good "rugged" look. All the musicianship and compositions are pretty solid across the board. Kloschinsky has an effective baritone and his vocal risk-taking and overall touch behind the microphone are consistent. From rocking “Give me a Sign” to flowing “What Love to Me” to danceable “The Soft Glow of Moonlight” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 110 “Electronic Paradise” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber. 
 
Al songs over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. There are no liner notes to indicate who the engineers assigned to the project were (Recording, Mixing, Mastering). I suspect CD was Recorded and Mixed by the artist without being mastered. As a result the mix is extremely off kilter and extremely amateurish in nature (DIY) lacking thick low end punch and crystal clear high end clarity. Vocals from Kloschinsky are extremely pitchy - he hits about 70% of his notes. He also needs to take more melodic risks here and there, and showcase more vocal emotional overall. Perhaps he needs to take some vocal lessons to help improve these aforementioned issues. There are timing errors everywhere as all instruments lack syncopation between themselves. CD is a bit dated sounding reminiscent of music popular 30+ years ago.
 
“Better Late Than Never” by Paul Kloschinsky is a compelling, soulful, melodic, musical journey. The music is diverse, consistent, grooving, upbeat, soulful and entertaining. The songwriting – all consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. This CD will be a real joy for those listeners out there who want an old school folk-rock experience to fill their atmosphere. This straight forward, easy to digest musical format makes for a great musical experience many will enjoy. I recommend you just hit play, close your eyes and see where the journey takes you.
 
Cyrus Rhodes



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