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"
Cardboard Logic" (2005), the sophomore release from Andy Northrup did not disappoint. It was long anticipated by those who had already found that treasure in his first CD "Slow Burn Avenue". Andy continues his successful formula of masterly crafted lyric, earthy music and that genuine sincerity that has become his trademark.
"Cardboard Logic" covers a myriad of socially conscious subject matter from politics, war, age, equality, relationships, and even AIDS. Andy is not content with the obvious, he burrows under the skin of humanity, peels it back raw, and exposes the fear, guilt, deceit, honesty, hate, miscommunication, love and all the other emotions us humans like to hide.
"Cardboard Logic" was acknowledged and applauded by the industry and garnered Andy several awards, nominations and honors.
Contains the hit songs; Sometimes, These hands, It Ain't Easy, Wondering & Truth
SOMETIMES
Sometimes I stop when the light turns green
Sometimes I wait for the red
Sometimes this world just feels out of steam
Sometimes it's all in my head
But there's still room to dance if we push things aside
And the slopes kinda steep but I promise I'll try
Just as long as you know that I keep things inside
Sometimes
Sometimes your hands might reach out for my loin
Sometimes they'll reach for my neck
Sometimes we'll play both sides of the coin
Sometimes we'll keep it in check
But there's a chance that we'll last if we stay in the lines
And it might even grow if we gave it more time
Just as long as you know that I might call you mine
Sometimes
Cause I've thrown a few curves and I've crossed a few lines
But I've tried not to burn that treated me kind
And I'm still in my skin and I'm glad that it's mine
Sometimes
Cause all we've got is sometimes
Lyrics & music by Andy Northrup
(c) 2002 R New House Publishing
THESE H
ANDS
Sunrise and the whole world looks forward to the light
I sit in a broad-back chair, looking backward at the night
At something real, at something past
That once was strong, but somehow it didn't last
Strange how my world came down in a slow and subtle way
I take the pills that promise me a few more days
But this pain that runs so cold
And these tools that I have no strength to hold
Cause these hands, made a living doing what they know
A steady pace kept tried and true
Now they say there's nothing they can do
For these hands
And the times they've soldiered on
Coming through when they were called upon
But those days have come and gone... for these hands...
Dear Lord can you tell me what the future hold for me
Cause your plan took away the only thing that set me free
It's so hard, but it's so true
Tears fall and once more I look to you...
No choice but to try and hide the truth for one more day
But one voice and one hard will can't brush this all away
These hands have grown so cold
They once were strong but now all they feel is old...
Cause these hands, made a living doing what they know
A steady pace kept tried and true
Now they say there's nothing they can do
For these hands
And the times they've soldiered on
Coming through when they were called upon
But those days have come and gone... for these hands...
I know that the sting of this defeat is in my eyes
This game of chance that I'm forced to lose
But I'll be alright if I can hold on to the pride
That I know when I could put these hands to use...
Cause these hands, made a living doing what they know
A steady pace kept tried and true
Now they say there's nothing they can do
For these hands
And the times they've soldiered on
Coming through when they were called upon
But those days have come and gone... for these hands...
Lyrics & music by Andy Northrup
(c) 2002 R New House Publishing
QUICKSAND DECAY
I found a blanket and a feeling that was so strong
Said now's the time that I sit and write a wrong song
No more of this pleasing everyone but me
I could sleep if I took a bunch of these pills
I could breathe if the planet wasn't so ill
I'm buying these glasses cause I don't want to see
And I stabbed you in my sleep last night
Cause you smiled while you handed me that knife and told me
Oh baby could you please just tell the truth
Well I could babe.... but not to you
I wasn't trying to wake up in a new world
I wasn't crying or looking for a new girl
I'm sitting here peaceful in my tortured way
I wanna know how to right the old wrongs
I wanna grow; I'm wishing I could feel strong
My pulse is just racing in this quicksand decay
Cause I stabbed you in my sleep last night
And you smiled while you handed me that knife and told me
Oh baby could you please just tell the truth
Well I could babe.... but not to you
Do you wake and think about the feelings
Do you shake and stare up at the ceiling
I'm holding you hostage till you finally agree
I'm tearful at the lives you ruin
I'm fearful of the brine you're brewing
I wonder who raised you and who left you diseased
And I'll stab you in my sleep tonight
And you'll smile while you're handing me that knife and tell me
Oh baby could you please just tell the truth
Well I could babe.... but not to you.
Lyrics and Music - Andy Northrup
2000 - R New House Up North Publishing
I been wondering where ya been my friend
I been thinking that I might have judged you harshly in the end
Could it be that I caused the problems
Now it's up to me to solve them
I been wondering where ya been my friend
I been wondering where ya been my girl
I been thinking might be nice to offer you my world
Spent some time listening to the wrong songs
Now I'm wondering if I waited too long
I been wondering where ya been my girl
Cause I've been awash in sight and sound
Still looking up but falling down
here in the chains that keep me bound
But I come around, Yeah I come around
I been wondering where ya been my son
I been thinking it was me that handed you that gun
Troubled land, sent you to watch it
Let you die for some cardboard logic
I been wondering where you've been my son
I been wondering where ya been my lord
I been thinking that it might be time you told us what's in store
Hear them calling me a doubting Thomas
Cause I'm expecting you to keep your promise
I been wondering where ya been my lord
Cause I've been awash in sight and sound
Still looking up but falling down
Here in the chains that keep me bound
But I come around, Yeah I come around
I been wondering where you been my friend
Lyrics and Music - Andy Northrup
(c) 2000 R New House Up North Publishing
THE LOVE YOUR HEART NEEDS
All alone but I hear the heart laugh,
You're the one who's gonna leave the party last
Big time, where's mine
Straight ahead when we're finally heading home
Brush it off and you throw the dog a bone
Same line, everything's fine
There's too much mystery with no reward
And all I ever do is hang around
There's too much history in that heart of yours
And this time I can feel it coming down
And it's a shame, it's a scam
Your playing someone else's hand
I never know what to believe
You can lie, you can hide
But if you look your pain inside baby
I'll never know if it could be
The love your heart needs
When you call and keep me on the phone
When you say you're afraid to be alone
You use, big news,
Would it change if I laid it on the line
Would you say you were only passing time
You know, that we'd lose
When the candles catch the longing in your eyes
I try to tell you the way I feel
But you freeze and say it's only in my mind
And it's a shame, it's a scam
Your playing someone else's hand
I never know what to believe
You can lie, you can hide
But if you look your pain inside baby
I'll never know if it could be
The love your heart needs
I'd wait forever if only
I thought I might break through your fear
But how can I hold on to nothing
So here's where I'm stopping all those tears...
And it's a shame, it's a scam
Your playing someone else's hand
I never know what to believe
You can lie, you can hide
But if you look your pain inside baby
I'll never know if it could be
The love your heart needs...
Lyrics - Northrup Music - Northrup/Campbell/Garrick
(c) 1999 R New House Publishing
IT AIN'T EASY
You think it's easy, you think it's plain
Just like the frown upon my face
Implies the faggot knows his place
And it's that easy
You think it's easy, it's in the plan
To hide the truth of how you hate
I represent the reprobates
And it's that easy
But the world is changing faster than you know
I can sense your consternation as it grows
You deny the history of who I am
Taking comfort in the way that I'll be damned
To face eternity in darkness and in fear
A world in doubt, a world obscene, a world without a way to dream
But that's too easy, it's almost trite
To hide behind the will of God
A different faith, a different fraud
It's all too easy
And it ain't easy, you're too afraid
To take some ownership and try
To move beyond or compromise
Cause that ain't easy
A world in doubt, a world obscene, a world without a way to dream
You can't see what kind of monster you've become
You can't understand that love is all you've shunned
You avoid the lessons learned in days gone by
Paranoid perpetuation of the lies
About the nature of the beast you see in me
It seems so easy, it seems so plain
And though you speak of higher love
It's up to me to rise above
But it's not that easy.
Lyrics and Music - Andy Northrup
(c) 2003 R New House Up North Publishing
SAME DREAM
Morning comes and I'm aware that time is passing by
Sun is warming up the day
Radio says I should go and gives me reasons why
Pillow tells me I should stay
And it's got lines on what I need
A promise that I trust
Cause it's got ways of giving me
The chance to feel your touch
I simply have the Same Dream - I'm haunted by it
The Same Dream - of your lips on my skin
The Same Dream - No, you never leave me
I make no excuse
It's something that I choose
Gotta find a way to save the way I'm feeling now
I might need it in a while
Things that get me through the pain of now it's over
I could add it to the pile
Friends tell me I'm losing sight
Of why I should let go
They all fear my conscious choice
To close my eyes cause then I know I'll have the
Same Dream - I'm haunted by it
The Same Dream - of your lips on my skin
The Same Dream - No, you never leave
Why should I return - to the world of crash and burn
I can save a lot of tears if I just have the Same Dream - the Same Dream
I know that you're out there letting some poor fool think it's real
But I can't criticise much baby I know, just how he feels
Friends tell me I'm losing sight
Of why I should let go
They all fear my conscious choice
To close my eyes cause then I know I'll have the
Same Dream - I'm haunted by it
The Same Dream - of your lips on my skin
The Same Dream - no you never leave me
Easier to cope in a world that's lost it's hope
I can save a lot of tears if I just have the
Same Dream - Same Dream
Lyrics and Music - Andy Northrup
(c) 1997 R New House Up North Publishing
Concrete Alibi
Well, you won't respond to missives
But you might respond to this
No face to face resistance
So I'll seal it with a kiss
And hope you understand it's scope
Or hope it helps you see
The future laughs at all of us
Especially you and me
And I chose to never burn you
And I chose to testify
And I chose to just return you
To your concrete alibi
And I hoped you'd see I'd never change
Or push this to an end
I thought I was a worthy soul
You'd call upon as friend
But now that's just too much to ask
It's too close to the bone
It's more than just my flaws
That have me sitting here alone
So I'll just eat this silence
Without a reason why
This judgment you're so quick to serve
Eventually will die
But now it's tinged with this regret
The cause I'm left to guess
Connection has a lofty price
It seems a hard request
But I chose to never burn you
And I chose to testify
And I chose to just return you
To your concrete alibi
And I hoped you'd see I'd never change
Or push this to an end
I thought I was a worthy soul
You'll call upon as friend
It must be just too much to ask
It's too close to the bone
It's more than just my flaws
That have me sitting here alone
I guess it's just the circumstance
But I feel so denied
This small defeat has winded me
I wanted us to try
Lyrics and Music - Andy Northrup
(c) 2003 R New House Up North Publishing
ALL TO YOU
You woke me with a kiss this morning
Then disappeared without a warning
Left me with this cup of blackness that's been trying to melt my spoon
I wanna be the one you sing to
but all I am is the one you cling to
Swimming through the sea of ego that'll toss you to your ruin
How much more should I expect to take in stride?
And what made you forget that I might need my pride
Cause every selfish lie that I once held up as true
Is asking for the reason I gave it all to you
Trying to resurrect the old trust
Is like sifting through the dirt for gold dust
Swallowing the things that help me see it like a dream
Weary of the old excuses
Leary of the jacks and deuces
Looking for the darker truth in every nervous scheme
I've spent so many years explaining it away
I still can hear myself when I said I chose to stay
But times like now arrive and all that I can do
Is try to find the reason I gave it all to you
Who's on the other side of all that you hold dear
Who's on the make, who's in the way
What underhanded move will justify my fear
Who's gonna change our rules today
I'm listening to the wind that's blowing
Trying to keep my mind from closing
The future is the one decider that never shows it's hand
It's easy being sad and lonesome
But love is for the ones who've shown some
So here I am, a silent witness who never takes the stand
Cause time's been leading us along it's railway line
And we still have some laughs and sometimes we still shine
So if I calm my head, my heart might see what's true
And I pray I find the reason I gave it all to you
Cause God knows I need the reason I gave it all to you
Lyrics and Music - Andy Northrup
(c) 1999 R New House Up North Publishing
TRUTH BREAKS THROUGH
Benny thought he'd found the perfect stranger
Someone new to take the night
He's addicted to the hint of danger
That he senses in her eyes
But life is gonna show him something cold
He might be warm tonight but that'll soon get old
Benny's gonna have a different point of view
When the truth breaks through, when the truth breaks through
Katie wasn't anybody's baby
Soon enough she'd play that scene
Katie thought herself a special lady
How she laughed at staying clean
Now she's telling me that life ain't fair
She tries to blame the world but the world don't care
Katie thought she'd have a say in what she'd lose
But the truth breaks through, yeah the truth breaks through
What's the point in hanging on in life?
When all the lines are crossed between wrong and right
You're the only one deciding what you'll choose
When the truth breaks through
Music and Lyrics - Andy Northrup
(c) 2000 R New House Up North Publishing
HARSH (But True)
I don't understand your game
Fool another heart one more to tame
Bring it in with tears or what it takes
Use it for awhile knowing you'll watch it break
I don't understand your pain
Or why you seem to feel the world is to blame
Or why you need to fight to feel alive
Why you play my fear so you can reclaim your pride
And you use it more and more everyday
You disregard you conscious pointing the way
And you still can't decide
Why you're empty inside
But your not convinced that you've been denied
And it's another lie, yeah it's another lie
I don't understand myself
Or how I once believed that my love might help
Cause you don't think it's real enough to try
Any depth it had has now been so compromised
And it looses more and more everyday
I wish you'd realize that it's slipping away
Cause the ways that you hide
And the trophies your prize
Hurts me more than I can describe
So I'll just say goodbye, yeah I'll just say goodbye
I don't understand your game
Fool another heart one more to tame...
Lyrics & music by Andy Northrup
(c) 1996 R New House Publishing
CD BABY/Daniel Fournier - nothing short than top quality
first off I must say that I have work with Andy for many, many years, though we have lost touch. now, I just purchase this cd, and compare to the first one which is great, this one is even better, the funny part for me, is that now that I have not talk or work with Andy, I am listening to this cd as I would for any artist that I don't know, if you see what I mean, and it is a different approach, I kind of laugh at myself, because on the second song, which I love, Andy's voice as mature and well, he sound so sexy! and I had to remind myself that this is a friend, but the cd is just fantastic. My partner Greg, just loves it too, and he does not know Andy. The sound is excellent, the quality of the song writing is nothing short than top quality. I am so proud to have the cd, and I can say to my friend here in Stettler, Alberta, that I know this person, and I know Pat Campbell , sorry for the spelling, and I am so proud. I have landed the cd to some people and they are planning to purchase it, they are so impress. if you like a someone that sing with passion, very rare these days, go for this . Andy has some nice female back ground singer that sound so good, I had a bit of a tear thinking about him and how much of a good guy he is and believe me, he is in real life , doing what ever he does with so much passion! that is just the way Andy is. He lives honeis life with passion, I am sure that at times he must hurt , he is a strong man but so much feeling. I really love the music man. and I listen to it every day. if you see this Andy, I think of you and everyone, so, please do like me, take a chance, you will love this cd.
PM Magazine New York, NY /Jed Ryan -
One of the top 10 albums of 2005
Call it "Northern Comfort"! With his influences clearly in the realm of American country music (guitar-driven, earthy music with lots of heart and lack of pretense), it's easy to assume that Andy Northrup is from Nashville, Ten-ne-see or another Southern town. Nope. Singer/songwriter/activist/playwright Northrup is from Canada. He's got a distinctively deep, strong voice with a passion that occasionally erupts into fire. This fire is fueled by Northrup's views about war ("Wondering"), politics ("It Ain't Easy"), age ("These Hands"), equality, and relationships-- and how, as you may have guessed, they all kind of tie in. On "Sometimes", the opening track of "Cardboard Logic", Northrup's second album, Northrup sings, "Sometimes I'm glad I'm so strong." So are we, Mr. Northrup! STANDOUTS: "Sometimes", "These Hands", "It Ain't Easy", "Wondering".
CD BABY/Michael D. Dowdy (DJ Michael) - A Wonderful Musical Journey
A most delightful musical journey by an outstanding singer/song writer with a amazing soulful baritone vocals who belts out great Pop/Rock songs with much emotions. A great cd to add to anyone's music collection.
Canadian Society for Traditional Music - David Gregory -
Not traditional folksong but "in the Guthrie tradition"
Northrup's songs will be the reason why you may purchase these discs and play them again and again. The sound is clean and the quality of the musicianship is high. This is not traditional folksong, but it is, in a sense, "in the tradition". The Guthrie tradition, that is. Northrup sounds not unlike a Canadian Martyn Joseph; there were some echoes of Phil Ochs and of the younger Bob Dylan, the underground poet of Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited. Northrup's writing is not political folk music but rather an attempt to probe below the surface of society. There is an empathy with rebels and the disadvantaged, and there is a profound conviction that something has gone very wrong with the status quo. By mentioning these influences or parallels I'm trying to give some indication of the quality and originality of Northrup's best songwriting. He may not be in the same league as Joseph (let alone Dylan), but he is close, and there are some songs on these albums that really do deserve to be heard. I still like the socially conscious ones best. "It Ain't Easy", for example, which is about the religious right's attitude to homosexuality could easily become a gay anthem (perhaps it already has). "Truth Breaks Through", which, if my intuition is correct, is about AIDS, is another powerful commentary on the choices we make and the reasons for them. Listening to Cardboard Logic was not a comfortable experience, but I'm glad to have explored it. I think others will find it rewarding too. There is a lot in these song/poems about miscommunication, fear, guilt, and the harm that can come both from deceit and dishonesty. Northrup is undoubtedly a talented musician/poet with a lot to say. I will certainly be on the lookout for his next release and I hope that he will turn up on the Alberta folk festival circuit.
CD BABY/Robby - Brilliant Work From Andy Northrup!
Andy has done it again, this time for his 2nd CD. The songs all work so well and suit his voice perfectly. Some of my favorite songs from the CD are... The Love Your Heart Needs, It Ain't Easy, All to You, and Truth Breaks Through. These songs stand out in my opinion, but I do like all of the songs, honestly. As a songwriter, Andy reminds me of the great ones like Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, and Joni Mitchell who have always written from the heart and successfully convey all of this lyrically and at times inspire the listener and challenge them to read between their lines. This CD deserves to be part of your collection. It will not disappoint.
Rambles Magazine -
Here is a beautiful album of thoughtful lyrics allied to a gentle production.
The wonder of popular songs is not in their construction or performance -- it is in luck. Andy Northrup deserves that luck to allow the wider audience for good music to experience his talent.
if only one track from this album makes it on to international airwaves, let it be "These Hands." Given enough exposure -- either of this version or another recording by a well-known artist -- this song could make him an international star. It has the lot: heartfelt lyrics, effective backing and a well-honed performance.
"Truth Breaks Through" is a good story-song with a solid beat that will bring you along.
Northrup is one of those wonderful writers who makes beautiful music, tells true stories and I am sure enthralls his live audiences but needs that wider listenership that his songs deserve so much. Do your bit. Seek out this album, buy it, enjoy it and, if you have any clout with radio stations, get it played.
Outlooks Magazine - Showcases Northrup's strengths to great effect
Andy Northrup is one of those Canadian performers who holds his own as a musician, sans hype, synthesizers, or "playing the gay card". He is a singer-songwriter before all else and a good one at that. Judged on its own merit, 'Cardboard Logic' is a well-rounded collection of songs that showcase Northrup's strengths to great effect. Whether it's upbeat cuts like the album-opener "Sometimes" and "(Only Trying To) Understand" or one of his more reflective ballads like "These Hands", this Edmonton based performer's talent shines through in the most unassuming and 'comfortable' kind of way. 'Cardboard Logic" is also an excellent showcase of Northrup's skills as a lyricist. Some things in life aren't easy, but when it comes to music, Andy Northrup and his crew really do make it seem like it is.
BBC Radio Wales - Celtic Heartbeat/Frank Hennesey -
I love the album, I think it's terrific
Here's a fella I hadn't heard of until a couple of days ago. His name is Andy Northrup. He's an American I believe and he's got a new album called "Cardboard Logic" - it's pretty dark. I particularly like this track it's called "These Hands".
Well, what do you think eh? A drop of a real clanger there? He's Canadian, of course he is, it's got Canada written all over it. I shouldn't have said he was an American, that's a heinous crime that is, it's like calling a Welshman English, don't do it, just don't do it.
So Andy I'm sorry about that but I love the album, I think it's terrific, I think the songs are absolutely, some of them are quite dark but I think it's just great and hopefully we'll be playing more from that in the new year.
Bernard Jones sent me a letter with it that informed me of the Canadian singer and songwriter Andy Northrup, and Bernard I hope you let Andy know that he's broken on BBC Radio Wales."
AfterElton.com /Robert Urban -
The compelling follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Slow Burn Avenue"
The tone for Andy Northrup's compelling new 12 song CD, Cardboard Logic, released in January this year, is set by the song lyrics it "It Ain't Easy." "You think it's easy, you think it's plain/ You think the frown upon my face/ Implies the faggot knows his place/ And it's that easy." This accomplished gay singer/songwriter hails from the Edmonton area in Alberta, Canada. Over the years, Northrup has written or co-written a catalogue of over 100 songs. He has also made a name for himself as a professional stage actor. As a composer/lyricist Northrup has collaborated on works for musical theater and the prestigious Edmonton Symphony. His previous CD was the critically acclaimed Slow Burn Avenue in 2001.
In realizing his latest effort, Northrup has assembled a cast of expert players to achieve a genuine folksy, bluegrass, truckin, and soft-rock sound. With Northrup on lead vocal and acoustic guitar, the album also features a core backup band of Pat Campbell on electric guitar, Ed Garrick on bass and Gordon Marshall on drums. There's also guest mandolin, fiddle and accordion onboard to help set the down-home, mostly country mood. Between the cozy, harmony-rich vocals and the band's percolating music, Cardboard Logic offers a sonic experience that could surely keep one warm on a frosty, Alberta night. Several of the CD's tunes, like "Wondering" and "The Love Your Heart Needs" have pop-hit single appeal.
As a singer, Northrup possesses a soothing, friendly, butch baritone. His "buddy/older brother" vocal delivery is reminiscent of the softer side of Harry Chapin's and Bruce Springsteen's early, 1950s-influenced work, and will especially appeal to gay male listeners who enjoy masculine "regular guy" type singer/songwriters. As a self-identified "bear" musical artist, Northrup has already developed a considerable following in the gay ursine community.
Readily apparent in Northrup's songwriting are influences of Bob Dylan, Steve Miller, Christopher Cross, Roy Orbison, as well as the above-mentioned Chapin and Springsteen. There's also an uncanny musical kinship to another Canadian singer-songwriter: Dan Hill of "Sometimes When We Touch" fame.
Ah, but herein lies the difference (if not the rub). Cardboard Logic's easy-listening sound, Northrup's pleasant singing, and the breezy way his music is executed contrast sharply with the very dark, depressing lyrics contained within. In his voice, his appearance, and his musical styling's, Northrup may come off as a laid-back, down-to-earth "man's man," but his lyrics expose an intense and painful emotional vulnerability lurking beneath the otherwise easy-going surface.
Several of the CD's songs lament men's inability to form genuine, compassionate relationships. Other tracks decry men's unwillingness to be open about their sexuality. To this listener it appears that Northrup has endured impossible and unrequited love with straight and/or closeted men in his life. Additionally, he seems to have suffered from relationships that were only sexual in nature, with no underlying romance or understanding.
Northrup pointedly and skillfully crafts all this pain into his art. Check out the tracks "All to You," "Harsh, but True," and my personal favorite, the rockin "The Truth Breaks Through." For many gay men who've gone through similar sorrows, these songs will strike a familiar, bittersweet chord.
In fact, loneliness, somber thoughts, emotional insecurity, conflicted feelings, world pessimism, and an unsure sense about things in life haunt nearly every song on Cardboard Logic. The album contains repeated references to "hiding" (as in hiding the truth), and to "pills" (as in taking them to block the anguish). Northrup's sensitivities are those of a classic, Kierkegaardian existentialist with a social anxiety disorder. As expressed in his lyrics, the two personality types become blurred.
If others share my first reaction upon hearing Cardboard Logic, guys (and even gals) from all over are going to want to dash up to Canada and give this heavy-hearted guy a big bear hug.
My complaints with this CD are few and minor. There are so many people thanked in the booklet liner notes that the gesture loses its meaning. The space might have been put to better use accommodating larger-sized printed lyrics, because the text font is so small one has to use a magnifying glass (if not a microscope) to read them. I'm also not sure the name "Cardboard Logic" aptly describes the overall gist of the songs contained within, but listeners can make their own decision on this.
CD BABY/R Wolff -
A well thought out and heartfelt record
I bought the CD last December at CD Baby. A very well thought out and heart-felt record. You prove that you do not need big bucks to make big records. Sometimes I feel like music is getting more and more restricted. But it is good to hear music that leaves an impression. People like you using traditional means to make music that lasts longer than what passes for popular music these days.
Chicago Free Press/Gregg Shapiro -
Canadian singer/songwriter Andy Northrup's songs have a touch of the twang on 'Cardboard Logic'
Edmonton Journal/Roger Levesque - hitting at the heart
Northrup's energetic folk-rock sound and wordplay deserve wider notice!
"Cardboard Logic leans towards social and political themes at points, hitting at the heart of the issues on a personal level. Northrup's honest, inquiring viewpoint, energetic folk-rock sound and depth of wordplay deserve wider notice."
WVGN National Public Radio - US Virgin Islands - A very entertaining CD
Thank you for your very entertaining CD.
Stonewall Society -
Delivers Northrup punch, poignant lyrics and wonderful music
When it slips your mind that it is all about the music, and that, is all about the art, Andy Northrup is a welcome beacon of that message. Continuing his standard established with "Slow Burn Avenue", the much anticipated �Cardboard Logic" delivers Northrup punch, poignant lyrics, and wonderful music. Known for his stage roles in his native Canada, Andy brings both theatrical savvy and lyrical art to his melodious songs. Making his music a rich and totally encompassing experience. Andy Northrup's music and lyrics capture the imagination and stay with you.
"Cardboard Logic" is a generous helping of twelve Northrup songs. True to his theatre background Andy delivers an honest beginning and end. Opening and closing "Cardboard Logic" with "Sometimes" a twice told song of diverse outlook and feel. In the beginning more up tempo and optimistic. The closing version more dark, more questioning. A brilliant alpha and omega to showcase this talent heavy CD. And it just gets better and better from number one. "These Hands" continues Northrup's cycle with an intense and insightful glimpse into the common man, the everyday worker as he faces the inevitable. This is gold Northrup music time!
Each track delivers you to the next with a warm welcome and enticing message. The flavors and themes vary but the quality and depth are solid throughout. Andy brings his thought provoking style to a broad array of topics. With lyrics which at once take a stand and then create a deeper meaning. Enhanced by music which carries the message effortlessly with emotion and point. Just one example. Not one to back away from controversy, Andy delivers a passionate message with , "It Ain't Easy". An empowered anthem addressing homophobia and its various forms and effects. Brought by musical accompaniment which envelopes as Andy delivers his message against the hate. That is the "hold and deliver" magic of Andy Northrup's talent. "Concrete Alibi" again a prime illustration of Andy's power to deliver an awesome message of relationships, love and loss but with engaging music which says wait, stop, and listen. And of course you are very glad you did.
CD BABY/Dave Montana - Andy Northrup has awaken a part of me!
Andy Northrup has awaken a part of me I thought had died. His lyrics are phenomenal and not the normal "I love you, Please love me back" stuff, but about things that make you question your existence and purpose in life. I don't have enough words to describe what his music has done to me. It is almost a spiritual experience!
Ireland's Rambles.net/Nicky Rossiter - unique blend of socially relevant lyrics wrapped within folk & roots oriented rock.
says this about Cardboard Logic "Northrup is one of those wonderful writers who makes beautiful music, tells true stories and I am sure enthralls his live audiences but needs that wider listenership that his songs deserve so much. Do your bit. Seek out this album, buy it, enjoy it and, if you have any clout with radio stations, get it played." "Cardboard Logic" has been voted Number 1 album of the year for 2005 at Outvoice.net. Andy Northrup is voted by the USA's Stonewall Society as their "Musical Artist of the Year" for 2005 with Andy's tune "It Ain't Easy" voted as "PRIDE Song of the Year" 2005. Andy Northrup is back with a new song cycle that builds on the strengths of his first effort "Slow Burn Avenue" ("a sterling debut" - Larry Flick, Billboard Aug 2002). Cardboard Logic is already receiving rave reviews from Canadian publications like the Edmonton Journal ("Cardboard Logic leans towards social and political themes at points, hitting at the heart of the issues on a personal level. Northrup's honest, inquiring viewpoint, energetic folk-rock sound and depth of wordplay deserve wider notice." - Roger Levesque) and Outlooks magazine ("Cardboard Logic is a well-rounded collection of songs that showcase Northrup's strengths to great effect." - David Crosson), not to mention Canadian radio like the CBC, CJSR-Edmonton and CKUA. More great international reviews have been received from the U.S.'s Stonewall Society's Len Rogers and BBC Radio Wales' Frank Hennesey. With this new album, Northrup continues to challenge and entertain fans and critics alike through his unique blend of socially relevant lyrics wrapped within his enticing blend of folk and roots oriented rock. Cardboard Logic has already garnered the strong support of one of Western Canada's premiere folk critics - Andy Donnelly of CKUA Radio's "The Celtic Show". In Mr. Donnelly's praise for this new disc he commented that "the album is lyrically brilliant, musically great and features three exceptional tracks that all qualify as 'singles'." Mr. Donnelly went on to single out the poignant ballad of the common labourer, "These Hands", the fiercely stated stance against homophobia "It Ain't Easy", and the number that both opens and closes the album "Sometimes." Always looking to challenge his listeners, Northrup has recorded two versions of "Sometimes," - the first is bright and optimistic with the second version, the album closing bonus track, being more reflective and wistful. Frank Hennesey of BBC Wales' "Celtic Heartbeat" chimes in with airplay of "These Hands" and echos Donnelly's comments regarding the song. Here's what Frank had to say about the new disc: "I love the album, I think it's terrific, I think the songs are absolutely, some of them are quite dark and pretty intense, but I think it's just great and hopefully we'll be playing more from that in the new year." Edmonton's CBC 740 AM's Lydia Neufeld states that "folks have been eagerly anticipating Northrup's follow-up to 'Slow Burn Avenue' and it doesn't disappoint." Along with the insightful ballads that Northrup has become known for, Cardboard Logic brings to light Northrup's amazing up-tempo sensibilities. His new disc is peppered with a number of up-tempo songs including the character driven "Wondering", the eyebrow raising free-form lyric of "Quicksand Decay", and the searing commentary on our current political climate "Only trying to Understand." Northrup's new effort deserves to be part of your collection and a listen to the clips
on your left will be all that's needed to convince you. Please enjoy!
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