Melle Johnson News and Updates

"Me" Rob Roper

Self Released. October 19th, 2009 artist website

After seeing Rob Roper perform a couple of times in clubs in Boulder and Denver, I was surprised by some of the song choices on his latest EP, "Me"

I was surprised by the piano ballad "I Miss Me" which I believe I've only heard once and "Misfits" which comes off like a Ween stream of consciousness comedic ramble.

Roper's literate pop/folk tunes are furnished from the same emotional stores we shop at. The songs look like us and ask "Is this me?" And by implication is this you? The songs are folded in discreet guitar, vocal and violin arrangements, allowing the story to unfold step by step.

Roper's music is right in the middle of alternative country and folk rock with slice of life lyrics but reach out to take chances with rock and pop imagery. He is in the midst of a compelling search for his true voice. Singers go through times where they find their voice. Jerry Garcia initially sang in a Dylan style but started listening to Bill Monroe and adopted the high and lonesome sound that came to define him. I hope to see Roper explore his gritty talk singing style further.

Roper cares about balanced songwriting in the same way an architect might consider the balance and space of the building he's designing.

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-Bob Chazz. Music writer for mellejohnson.com

Meta Ed. note This album is like that Easter egg you find hidden under a chair and when you start eating it you realize the Easter bunny has already perfectly salted it for you. Roper's "Me" is like the Easter bunny with a salt shaker.