Reviews Of Their Debut CD

In the fall of 2001, Spiney Norman released their self-produced debut album, "The Trials And Tribulations Of Spiney Norman." The album has made a huge impact on listeners all over the US, and in other countries as well. The album features Spiney Norman's own eclectic and sometimes strange brand of rock infused with funk and world rhythms, stellar musicianship, huge vocals and excellent songwriting; the communion of three individualistic artists in equal partnership: Rob Barwick, George Dussault and Rick Morin.

The following review appeared in the November 2001 issue of Ear Candy Magazine:

I've always wondered...what if the progressive rock heavies of the '70s got together and made an album in this day and age. No...not one of those cash-in reunion schemes, but an actual honest to god good album?! Well, it hasn't happened yet (and somehow, I don't think it will). BUT, there is the new CD by Spiney Norman.

The album has two things really going for it. First, I love the instrumentation, especially the guitar work - it travels the gamut of Boston, Allman Brothers and Santana without being too derivative. Same goes for the vocal harmonies. Little things, like the ending for "The Best Thing You Ever Had" with its Badfinger-like, "Baby Blue" ending! The Allman Brothers-type instrumental, "Swamp Gas". Secondly, the lyrics hit me on an emotional level, many of the lyrics seem to apply to my life! Songs about picking up barflys (Excuse Me), failed relationships (The Best Thing You Ever Had), growing old (Same Old Road) and the joy of parenthood (Heart Song). "Caffeine High" is especially clever, especially for those of us that don't use illicit stimulants anymore! Spiney Norman even touches on spirituality on "Troubadour", with its Jesus references. But, unlike the tunnel vision of Christian rock bands, Spiney Norman doesn't hit you over the head repeatedly. I mean, there are only so many words that rhyme with "Jesus", "God", "lord", etc. My fave on this album is "Days I'd Rather Forget" - it seems especially personal, almost reading into my life!

The excellent songwriting and professional playing make this CD quite enjoyable. This album is a creeper, but once it gets under your skin, you'll find it well worth the repeats.

Reviews Of Weather The Storm

"Spiney Norman is back and showing definite progression since their last album. Of course you have the tight, drop-on-a-dime instrumentation that you expect from the band after their first CD. Then there are the well-written songs including my personal Spiney Norman favorite - the bio-themed song. Lyrical these guys are great storytellers and while some songs have a moral - they don't get preachy!

I'm just gonna touch on a few personal faves of mine from this disc:

The band shows off their musical chops on "Barbecuing With Bourbon", a bluegrass song infused with Zeppelin III style instrumentation as the band weaves in and out of these two styles. "Allison Wonderbra" combines Dick Dale riffs with a hint of Spanish-rock style with a catchy groove that uses those classic Spiney Norman story-telling of a disillusioned girl! (I love the lyrics, "since the day he checked her oil and forgot to put the dip-stick in"). "Home" has a raga/middle eastern flavor that morphs into a groove that you can't get out of your head. And finally there is "A New Day", a song that really hits home lyrically - damn, this is my life!

While some critics might say the band is derivative of the progressive rock bands of the '70s - THIS is the CD in which Spiney Norman comes into their own as a band. As the CD plays, you can almost hear the band saying, "so you think we are retro huh? Well, listen to this!"

Comments from listeners:

"Finally got a chance to sit down and give "Spiney Norman' a good listen, and have to say I was impressed! Very nice! Good songs, tight ensemble playing, hot licks, nice production and you can dance to it if you're so inclined! Really, most discs don't stay in the carousel on my disc player for more than one go round, but Spiney has stayed on through 2 changes already and may make a couple more." - Gary

"For a local band, and without all the hype, Its the only CD in MY car music system!" - Brian B.

"I nearly played a hole through the CD on that 'Heart Song'..." - Duane M.

"Absolutely the best CD to come out of this region in years..." - Jerry B.

"Enjoying every minute of this revelation..." - JB

"Burning guitar work..." - SM

"Excellent production values..." - JL