The Age of Miracles

Lennon meets Beck meets Richman meets whatever.

That's how I think about Chuck Prophet's "Age of Miracles" CD, released on New West Records.

It's a funny, serious, goofy, catchy recording that--if the world were a just place--would make this San Franciscan a big star.

The sound on some cuts is reminiscent of John Lennon's "Walls & Bridges" album, particularly the title track. On others he's got eclectic rhythms linked mostly to Beck. And throughout, Prophet sings with the lazy, nasal sound of Jonathan Richman, except Chuck actually is a singer.

(Above is a photo of Chuck and his wife Stephanie Finch, who also can sing, which she does on the recording, along with playing several instruments.)

That said, "Age of Miracles" takes these classic influences and comes out sounding fresh as Febreze. In fact, when I stuck the CD into my car's player for the first time, I couldn't believe how cool "Age of Miracles" sounded. (Even my 19-year-old-daughter agrees, a rarity to celebrate).

I'm not one to pay much attention to lyrics, but this album has some memorable ones.

From "Automatic Blues"--

I feel like a pair of sneakers

in a washing machine

I'm bouncing off the walls

trapped in the heat.

From "Age of Miracles"--

Don't go now, there's more to see

All lost time will be retrieved

I know it's true, it's on TV

In the age of miracles.

Chuck plays guitar, organ, lap steel and other instruments. He wrote or co-wrote all the songs.

Country soul producer/writer Dan Penn co-wrote "Heavy Duty" on the album. Penn is famed for his "Dark End of the Street," covered by Gram Parsons and many others, and for his production of the Box Tops' records in the 1960s. More recently, Penn produced one of the finer Americana albums of 2005, Greg Trooper's "Make It Through This World."

Songstress Kim "Bette Davis' Eyes" Carnes wrote "Just To See You Smile" with Chuck. Kim is known for her duets with Kenny Rogers and for penning memorable tunes for pop and country performers. (In case you didn't understand the reference, "Bette Davis' Eyes" was Kim's smash single that dominated pop radio a million years ago.)

Another country Kim--Kim Richey--also co-writes a track, "You Got Me Where You Want Me." Ms. Richey is a well-respected fairly mainstream country songwriter and performer. (Her website is under construction, but just Google her name if you want to learn more.)

Chuck Prophet comes to the Narrows Center for the Arts on Monday, August 15, and going to the show just to buy this CD is worth the effort.

For those familiar with John Doe--who also has recently put out a fantastic CD--you'll like Chuck Prophet. He's got Doe's rockin' feel, although Chuck's more lighthearted.

For more information about the Chuck Prophet show at the Narrows, go to www.ncfta.org.