“Absolutely Inspired!”
Harlan Ellison, Writer
One of the things that has been a joy to me has
been the new version of No Writing on the Signs…
I’ve been listening to it for three days! Every
time “Mona Lisa’s Smile” comes on I just stop whatever I’m doing: It is an absolutely INSPIRED piece of work; I am just enormously impressed…
I just want you to know how much pleasure I’ve derived from this one album alone. Thank you.
“Music that reawakens the ear (and mind)”
At a time when most new music is produced on a small scale (either for creative or economic reasons, or both), Mr. Barkan's album is a stretch back to the multilayered majesty of Brian Wilson's PET SOUNDS and The Beatles' SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND. This is music painted sonically on a large-minded and larger-hearted canvas. "Lydian Song" can turn around any day once played, and "Finnegans Awake" is as interesting in sound as it is in title and concept. A huge musical painting, meant only for the largest and truest of cave walls.
– Anthony Pomes, Square One Publishing
“Melodic CD, pristinely mixed and well worth buying”
Paul Michael Barkan has skillfully assembled a collection of tunes that incorporates many of the best qualities found in progressive pop music: expansive melodies, unexpected harmonies, unique orchestrations and poetic lyrics concerning self-realization and the intricate frustrations human relationships can sometimes create. The tasteful instrumental performances are precise without being overly ridged and most of the vocals are expertly suited for the landscape of each tune. Whether it be a new age setting as in "One Free Day" where shakuhachi flute, running water and airy vocals interact seamlessly with synth sounds or a super smooth jazzy vocal darting around major and minor seconds in the clever, bizarre work entitled "Seconds Away" or the thought-provoking time piece "Transparent Sea of Signs" or the Rite of Spring bassoon solo in the Joe Jacksonish "Isn't There, Anyway,” Barkan is in complete command of every musical genre. This CD is pristinely mixed and well worth buying. With each listen you will discover a subtle myriad of 20th century musical references that might otherwise never see the light of day in this kind of "pop" music. You'll also be wondering who is Paul Michael Barkan and what circumstances could have created a composer of such depth and originality.
– Arty Rukidin, Clam Radio
“Jazzy, light and alluring with a hint of Steely Dan”
A group effort from a cast of musical talents makes No Writing on the Signs not only an exceptional album but a landmark piece of art work that will see much critical acclaim... There are many high points on the CD including "Lydian Song," "Mona Lisa's Smile," "One Free Day..." and "Seconds Away." Never have I heard so many different instruments and voices working together seamlessly to produce a hypnotic and alluring collection of movements in song. No Writing on the Signs has something for everyone and a little more.
– V.J. Calone, Long Island Entertainment
“EXTREMELY enjoyable”
Songs of the confusion of love and unrequited love are accompanied by a subtle brass section that nicely balances the music.
– Andrea Ragone, Good Times Magazine
“Standout performances”
Steely Dan and Todd Rundgren are two of the more apparent inspirational sources, although there are other more subtle ones. There’s a jazz-like thread running through
much of this album, with stand out performances from the likes of John Scarpula and
Ozzy Melendez.
– Roy Abrams, The Music Paper
