I've listened to a huge collection of independent artists over the past year and I have been impressed with many of them. None more impressive then Phil Celia's release "Stockholm Street". Phil writes his music like someone would write a good book. The result is, you can't put it down once you get started.

The CD begins with the title track 'Stockhom Street' a Springstein inspired romp through life in his old home town. I recently returned to my home town and this song was like reliving those early years of my life all over again. Throughout the CD I am reminded of Gordon Lightfoot meets Bruce Springstein. The music is simple but compelling and Celia's voice is in control from the moment he sings the first words on the CD.

I haven't said this in a couple years but this release didn't have a bad song on it. Stockholm Street only had seven tracks on it, eight if you count the title tracks alternative version as the final track on the CD. This recording was about stripping 7 brilliant songs down to the most basic of instruments and still having enough fire power to blow the listener away. George Harrison once said that a good song is one that you can strip down to the simplest of instrumentation and it remains a good song. Think about 'Yesterday' by the Beatles or ' Philidelphia' by Bruce Springstein and you'll understand what George was talking about. You will also have an idea of what Stockhom Street was all about.

Recorded & Mixed primarily at Carriage Hill Studio. Based on the liner notes it looks like Phil understands the art of the studio as much as he knows how to write a good song. The recording was clean, almost pristine in sound quality. Phil's voice was amazing and not ruined by reverb and unneeded effects. Close your eyes and you could imagine Phil singing in your living room.

If you enjoy listening to a balledeer like John Mellencamp, Bruce Springstein or Gordon Lightfoot then add Phil Celia to your list. I haven't enjoyed listening to a CD this good in years. It makes the EVOR top 25 Independent CDs of all times list.
I give Stockholm Street 5 stars, 6 goose bumps and a few tears for evocking inner emotions.