"AFFECTED BY THE MOON"

I try to always be open to "new" music, "new" sounds, "new" styles. I was never so glad I have let folks know I do this, otherwise I may have NEVER received this CD for review. Please pay attention, ladies and gentleman. Chuck Pyle, is, of course, a name many of you may know from his writing contributions to such "stars" as Chris LeDoux (Cadillac Cowboy), Suzy Bogguss, John Denver and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band …just to name a few. And now, after (too) many years, he's recorded a new album, which has definite possibilities for being a HUGE hit!

This CD has a powerful effect on anyone who's had the privilege of hearing it before its release, and is, to me, a sorta combination of 'cowboy music' and Leonard Cohen! Now that's a scary combination to many, but if you love poetry and the purity of someone who sings from such a soft place in his soul, you'll love this CD. No, you won't slam your beer down on the table, and jump up out of your seat for some "sh-kickin' dancin'. But you WILL want to dance. You'll want to pull your partner close to you, and glide across the floor. Each song is a winner, each is romantic, and each is unique. Pyle wrote every song on this album, with only three exceptions. He has a way with lyrics that make you want to listen closely, but at the same time let you relax and just enjoy the sound. Is that possible? I mean, can one want to lean in to HEAR the lyrics, and yet be able to just sit back and enjoy? Yep, it's possible. I did it. So will you.

There are 13 songs on this CD, and every single one of them impressed the heck outta this "lady in the hat"! I don't even know where to begin! So I'll start at the beginning, with the title cut. "Affected By The Moon" sets the tone of the entire album. It gets your attention in such an understated way, you hardly know your being pulled into it. But, if I'm any judge of music, and of people who love music, you WILL be pulled into it. This is the first one that'll make you want to dance…not with your boots on, necessarily, but surely with your best steps AND favorite partner. It has a gypsy quality, and Pyle knows how to pick that guitar. If nothing else, you'll be fascinated by the musician in him.

Following the title track, is "97 Hillside Road". Even the title makes you want to find out what it's all about! And be prepared, it's a heart grabber. Lots of memories here, and Pyle is a master at the art of poetry, as I've said. Another song that had a great affect on me, was "Blue Train" (Tom Kimmel, Jennifer Kimball). Coming from a family with a history in railroading, for me, this one brought some memories with it, too.

"I Think I'll Go To Texas", again, brings us right back to our country roots. But even "country" is different, somehow, when Pyle puts his signature on it. Different in a GOOD way, of course. And "A Cowboy's Christmas Dream" is a wonderful finishing touch to this CD. But…ahhhh, is it REALLY the end? You tell me!

No, its not "country" in the sense that Alan Jackson is "country". But what IS country today? Y'all know I'm a traditionalist, when it comes to country music. I won't deny that. But this music is so beautiful and simple and REAL, that I'm willing to put it out there for YOU to be the judge. If you have an open mind and heart, you're gonna truly appreciate this one. But even if you ARE a pure, traditional country fan, and ONLY a traditional country fan, I hope you'll take a listen to this CD. It sure won't hurt. I promise it won't be painful. It'll probably cure what ails ya, if you let it. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the cover design and photography for this CD (Connie Asher/Niki Pierson/Kim Cook), which was very creative, and shows us that Mr.Pyle is pretty easy on the eyes, too!

Beautifully and perfectly produced by Doug Haywood, "AFFECTED BY THE MOON" won't be released for purchase in stores 'till October, but if you run on over to Chucks website at http://www.chuckpyle.com you can listen to some clips from this one, as well as all the others!. My guess is, it'll be hitting the airwaves pretty fast, too. Pyle has sold over 50,000 records in his career 'till now. Not too shabby for an indie, huh? Let's see if we can bring that number even higher, with this brand new CD !! I'm proud to have been given the opportunity to aquaint myself with this talented and unique artist. I hope you'll be as enchanted with the music as I am. And yes…this has been, as always…"an independent view" by: