The Loose Change LP Cover
Chris Hick's debut in the recording studio came in 1987 with Loose Change. Their self titled album was released on Walden Records and recorded at Capricorn Studios - original home of MTB. The album's ten cuts are as soulful as you'd expect from Chris. The vocals are superlative and guitar work comes from the heart. At times the keyboards are used to grat effect - at times they get in the way. The drumming is steady throughout - and the songwriting is top notch.
The LP kicks off with "World Gets in My Way". The opening guitar riffs are reminiscent of "Can't You See". The song is a heart-wrenching ballad about a guy that's seeing himself through hard times. This is one of the songs where the keyboards get in the way. In my opinion it would have been better off without them - but the song is great none-the-less. On next cut, "Two of a Kind", the keyboards understate the song to great effect and are a focal point of the song. A bluesy pop song that features nice backing vocals it would be interesting to see how Chris would let loose on this today. "What's Goin' On" is not the Marvin Gaye smash but a synthesizer laden track that plays on the angst of a love in peril. "I Believe" has a tropical, breezy feel. It captures the emotions of lost love nicely. "Do It In a Heartbeat" rounds off side one of the album and gets the listener steppin' to a Gregg Allman groove from the word go. This would sound in synch with any of the ABB's classic cuts.
Organ riffs launch "Smile" and side two of the album. On it, Loose Change marries a little R & B to some Allman Brothers influenced guitar. "Priced Woman" is a road house rockin' song about a fine little cajun gal from Bourbon Street. the band cover the Skynyrd anthem "Every Mother's Son". This rendition is slightly faster paced than the original. "Feel the Rain" uses keyboards to great effect. While I think all the albums song are GREAT, this song stands above the rest. It's one of those I can just play over and over again. "Wonderin'" is a relective song that ends the album nicely. The guitar has a strong Toy Caldwell influence as are the lyrics... I can hear him singing this now...
For anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing any of Chris' other albums (Funky Broadway, Live n Kickin') you know what the man is capable of. I think of his three releases, this is my favorite... I just hope it someday soon gets released on CD!
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