Bill Madden

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1340mag.com

by Mark Fisher | 2004

Bill Madden is a new name to me and I admit that I was a bit skeptical about putting this CD in the disc changer. Shame on me though because Bill Madden is certainly one of the brightest artists to come across my desk this year! It hasn’t left the changer since I put it in…

Samsara’s Grip is an amazing piece of artistry. Unlike most male singer/songwriter material, the songs are rich and full. They have a very warm, band oriented feel to them that will definitely bring to mind artists like Elvis Costello, Steven Delopolous, Peter Gabriel’s more straightforward material, and even “…But Seriously” era Phil Collins. What I enjoy most about this CD though is the intelligent well-written lyrics that eloquently express Mr. Madden’s thoughts and ideas without ever coming across as pompous or pushy. This album is just a wonderful piece of work that will appeal to fans of many styles of music. If male singer/songwriter isn’t your thing; I still suggest you try this out. Bill’s great voice, excellent songwriting, and warm production will undoubtedly win you over. If you like your music smart and musically top notch then you need to add this CD to your collection. Take a chance, you won’t regret it.

Key Tracks: Masterpiece, Murder, Shrink the Guru

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All Music Guide

by Jonathan Widran | 2004

This insightful, socially active southern California-based singer/songwriter sets his agenda against mindless political correctness and cultural intolerance even before the music gets going. The cover of the disc features the performer by the pool as an innocent toddler, his future manhood dangling. The gentle shock value of this statement will hopefully solicit a few extra listeners to a deep exploration of social issues and observations that fully embrace the spirit of his two greatest influences, Buddhism and Bob Dylan. While his guitar-driven light rock and generally retro pop-soul elements are mostly engaging, they’re merely the backdrop to lyrics that could double as crisp, sharp op-ed pieces. On the opener, “Om Tat Sat,” he advocates meditation as an antidote to the global horror he sees on CNN. Tracks like “Fool’s Parade,” “Murder,” and “Consequence of War” decry the ongoing madness of today’s world of foreign and domestic terror and cultural division, and listeners might wonder if there is relief in sight. Madden offers a few suggestions, like getting rid of material things and simply offering encouragement to those trying to follow their hearts. Gotta have a personal heartbreak tune in the mix as well, and the wrenching title cut is a classic lament that is a metaphor for trying to break free and soar above a world in chaos.

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Anne Carlini.com

by Samuel Stone | 2004

Samsara’s Grip engages Eastern philosophical influences in a head-on collision with the politics and abuses occurring in our world. Starting with “Om Tat Sat,” we hear “The world is goin’ crazy” and witness the world exploding all around the artist while he retains a calming centeredness. Other songs such as ‘Fool’s Parade’ – an ambitious 3-part story of different individual scenarios involving human ignorance – and Consequence of War; a song that brings the horror of violence front and center, are just a couple of the stand out tracks on this inspired album from Madden. In the end, Bill Madden’s CD, Samsara’s Grip, is an experience and journey for all serious music lovers to consider – especially those who are of the belief that people inspired by the power of music can, indeed, bring change to the world.

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BVS Reviews

by Bruce Von Stiers | 2004

Bill’s Censored Grip

In the wake of 9-11 and the Superbowl wardrobe malfunction, some conservatives have been openly attacking the entertainment industry for being decadent, morally corrupting our youth and nation. Some of the criticism is over the top, just like some of the entertainers are. Depends on where you sit on this issue is the key to know whose right or wrong. But there is a guy who may be giving those conservatives another shot at proving the decadence of the music industry. This guy is Bill Madden. It’s not really his music that is at issue. It is the album cover of Bill’s debut release. The title of this album is Samsara’s Grip. The cover shows a photo of a little boy lifting a resistance strap. The boy is bare-chested, wearing a pair of checkered fronted shorts. The controversial part of the photo is that the boy’s penis is hanging out of the shorts. Can you actually have an album on store shelves with a picture on it like that? Isn’t that child pornography? That is what some of the flap is all about. Does it matter that the picture is of Madden himself as a child? Who knows for sure?

Bill seems to thrive on controversy. That is what the content of the album seems to be about. His songs tackle the world issues such as poverty, wars and the need to get ahead and stepping over the downtrodden. The music is a little varied, but carries the same angst filled lyrics of a world that has turned its back on equality for all mankind.

On this album Bill does the lead vocals, plays the electric guitar, Fender Rhodes, Tibetan Bells and shakers. Gannon Arnold is on electric guitar, Fender Rhodes and reed organ. Billy Mohler is on bass and upright bass. Adam Watts plays the drums, tambourine, doumbeck and djembe on the album. Other people who provided musical talent on the album are Drew Hester and Ian Miller. The album was produced by Ian Miller and Bill Madden.

Om Tat Sat is the first track. It is getting a lot of airplay on college radio. It is a song about the way the world has become corrupted. The song has some intense lyrics and melody that is appealing. The intro has an Indian flavor to it. Of course, Bill is a proponent of Eastern philosophy, so his music somewhat reflects that culture.

Masterpiece deals with broken dreams and helping others when they are down. 19 Miles has an almost smoky blues tone to it. The song is about a relationship that has fallen apart and who is to blame.

Fool’s Parade tells stories about three different people whose lives are wasted due to circumstances. The song is a strong commentary about what Bill sees is going on with people.

The title track, Samsara’s Grip, has some decent guitar. It is about the decaying world. I wasn’t familiar with what Samsara was, so I looked it up. The way I understand it, Samsara deals with the fragmenting of the universe. This song and its title fit with Bill’s working of Eastern philosophy.

There are several other songs on the album. Those include Shrink The Guru, World Just Is, Experience and Consequence of War.

My favorite song on the album is Murder. It deals with hit and runs, gang violence and the system shutting people down. The song has some cool music, especially a rock out bit during the chorus.

Bill sites both Eastern philosophy and Bill Dylan as early influences. His music reflects both influences. He uses Eastern styling in his music. And the commentary in the songs is filled with angst and reflections on the current state of the world.

Samara’s Grip is probably not going to make it into Billboard’s Top 10. The songs on the album are filled with conscience raising commentary. Bill has a decent sounding voice and the music itself is good. With the music and the commentary, it is understandable why the album is getting a lot of play on college radio.

You can find out more about the album on Bill’s web site. He also has links on the site to the causes that he supports and agencies for world peace, human rights and environmental concerns. The web site is www.billmadden.com.

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GoodSound!

by David Cantor | 02.01.05

As a 15-year vegan and animal-rights activist, I’m glad Bill Madden’s CD Samsara’s Grip gets lots of college airplay. He’s been vegan and into AR for ten years, is interested in Eastern thought, and donates money to the fights against AIDS, TB, and malaria. This disc doesn’t mention food politics, but Madden’s website offers relevant links. Madden sings of the need to discard violence and destructively constraining ideas. In these 11 tunes, mostly recorded live, the music grows so organically from the words that to describe it as “arranged” would make it sound too calculated. My one gripe is Madden’s overly affected singing. A plainer vocal style would have highlighted the thoughts and better established the voice. My 1974 Webster’s defines samsara as the Hindu conception of human existence as a cycle in which the same soul is repeatedly reborn.

Rating: ****

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Indie-Music.com

by Stephanie Joudrey | 08.06.05

In this somewhat controversial album by Bill Madden, you will find if not excellent music, at least a set of lyrics that will perk up your ears and possibly get you talking and thinking once again.

Before you even have a chance to delve into the true charm of Madden’s album, you learn that this is the work of an activist who has been moved by the wave of terrorism and terrorist protection in the United States. His first song and the album’s first single, “Om Tat Sat” is an insightful look at the state of the country. Unlike some other artists, he isn’t calling for the end of war or George Bush, but instead has chosen to take a more subdued role in discussing the war. He talks about sitting and watching and praying.

Other songs such as “World Just Is” and “Consequences Of War” have the same themes and feelings as the opening of this disc. These themes fit perfectly into the sound that Madden’s music takes. His guitars and voice are reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s work.

The entire album isn’t this serious. There are some lighter songs on the album, such as the standout “Masterpiece,” which is about love and believe in someone. Despite the lighter tune though, you can always hear a hint of seriousness in Madden’s voice as he sings. It feels like you are always waiting for the next song to have a stronger message.

The only heavy downfall of “Samsara’s Grip” is that many of the songs have the same flow and tunes making them run together after a while. There are a few breaks for the listener, but many of them don’t come until further into the album, by that time Madden may have already lost a few listeners. I felt that he should have moved up more powerful songs, such as “Murder,” nearer the beginning of the album to keep listeners on their toes.

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modern-dance

by Dave W. Hughes | 2005

Whilst the artwork rages with controversy (it shows a young Bill Madden innocently unaware that his little todger’s hanging out of his shorts – it IS an innocent photo after all!), hopefully, folks might eventually realise that the music is pretty damn good. As with many a good novel, the opening chapter is the hook, and here it’s the opening song Om Tat Sat, damn good. Masterpiece, the 2nd track carries on with a certain style and assuredness that’s not often found on self-released albums. He’s surrounded himself with some pretty fine musicians, and the mix and production is really well balanced, with lead breaks not drowning out the rest of the band. It’s an album that needs time, the first time I played it I knew it was a decent cd, but it wasn’t until maybe the third or fourth spin I realised it was a bit better than that. Tracks such as 19 Miles are really laid back and relaxing. Overall, Madden has produced a stunning album here with some well crafted songs, and lyrics that provoke and stimulate. (dw)

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Music Connection Magazine

by Widran | 01.03.05 – 01.16.05

Producers: Ian Miller and Bill Madden

Top Cuts: “Om Tat Sat,” Murder, Consequence of War

Summary: This insightful Southern California-based singer/songwriter sets his agenda against mindless political correctness and cultural intolerance. The gentle shock value of the album’s artwork should solicit a few extra listeners to a deep exploration of social issues and observations that embrace the spirit of his two greatest influences, Buddhism and Bob Dylan. While Madden’s guitar-driven light rock and retro pop-soul elements are engaging, they’re merely the backdrop to lyrics that could double as sharp op-ed pieces.

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NeuFutur

by James McQuiston | 02.07.05

Opening up “Samsara’s Grip” with one of the most far-reaching and impressive alternative rock songs, Bill Madden inserts bits and pieces of R.E.M., New Radicals, and the like to make a compelling and ingratiating song. Moving more into the Dave Matthews-brand of vocalization, some form of drive forces “Masterpiece” in a realm that is not usually traversed by the former’s music. There is some actual conclusion to this music, instead of the same rote, drawn-out repetition that marks most of the singer-songwriter genre. The music is not revolutionary in its sound, but provides perfect material for the legion of individuals who would rather slap on a pair of headphones and zone out to their favorite musician. If individuals would get the ability to listen to tracks off of “Samsara’s Grip”, chances are that Madden’s fanbase would swell, owing much to the heart-breakingly beautiful way in which Madden constructs each guitar lick and vocal inflection. “19 Miles” suffers from the lack of the same drive that brought its preceding track to the dizzying heights of greatness, but offers a brooding tone that surpasses anything to this point. The bass laid down by Billy Mohler is the piece de resistance “19 Miles”, leading fairly well to the dreamy guitar work placed down in the Tom Petty-vocaled/Wallflowers-esque guitar led “Fool’s Parade”.

Each of Bill Madden’s tracks on “Samsara’s Grip” is a mini-epic, its four-minutes devoted to creating a rich tapestry of differing sounds, moods, and influences. The disc will get mucho play on CMJ radio, but this isn’t your typical indie flavor of the weak — this is Don Henley, Bryan Adams, and Mr. Mister fighting intensely over the last scrap of food in the trash can, and anyone that liked that style of music when it dominated the airwaves in the eighties will be happy to see that it makes such a convincing comeback on this album.

Madden’s album is one of the few that can revel in a slowed-down and laid-back tempo for an extended length of time. To do something of this magnitude is equivalent to those individuals that can practically stop their heart to conserve energy when they are in the coldest of settings. The mastering on this disc is the final icing on the cake; if a less skilled hand was on the dials, then a track like “Right In The Head” would not be able to drag people along for the entirety of its length.

Top Tracks: Right In The Head, Masterpiece

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Orange County Register

by Robert Kinsler | 10.01.04

Bill Madden, “Samsara’s Grip” (MadMuse) – It’s no surprise that Bill Madden’s latest disc would be a wonderful addition to the collection of any fan of intelligent and powerful song craft. The Newport Beach singer-songwriter’s first CD, “Chillin’ in Hades,” established Madden as a dazzling local talent and earned him college airplay around the United States, but his sophomore effort boasts even stronger songwriting and performances that elevate him to the ranks of many of today’s best singer-songwriters.

The title track sounds almost as if the Waterboys’ Mike Scott had teamed with Toad the Wet Sprocket during the “Dulcinea” sessions, while other songs beg comparisons to a wide range of seminal artists ranging from Peter Gabriel (“Murder”) to George Harrison (“Experience,” “Consequence of War”). But comparisons don’t begin to fully detail Madden’s distinct talents when tackling global politics and personal crises (minus cliches) on tuneful rockers (“Fool’s Parade”) and achingly beautiful ballads (“Right In The Head”).

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Past and Present Webzine

by Hans Jakup Eidisgard | 10.17.04

There’s already been quite of bit of controversy concerning this release. Or let’s say concerning the artwork of this release, which features a three-year old boy (Bill Madden himself) playing in the garden only in his underpants but with his penis sticking out. Journalists have been all over this calling it wrong and lots of other things, but considering that we’re talking about a photo of the man playing the music on this disc (when he was three, mind you) I think it’s rather harmless. Musically this is a good singer/songwriter album that sounds more like Lenny Kravitz than Will Young. So forget everything I just said about that picture and concentrate on the music, because that’s where the focus really should be.

Rating: ****

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PhenomeNews

by Greg Ozimek | 2004

Bill Madden takes a look at the adult world he has and has no control over in his latest, Samsara’s Grip.

His title track reminds us of this theme in a mild rock — that is an anthem of his album which continues to make him a hero on college radio stations stateside.

Samsara’s Grip’s first track, Om Tat Sat, which Madden says loosely translates to “Truth in absolute consciousness,” and Shrink the Guru (I am everything and I am That), World Just Is (… what it is) all contribute to a progressive feel that may anchor him a status of “legend” with the Rainbow children and the Indigos too.

Musical genius and legend Herbie Hancock, in a recent interview with WJR radio’s Mitch Albom, mused, “How do we know today what is going to be remembered (and lauded) decades from today” (to which Mitch quipped, “Yeah the latest from Hillary Duff…”)

Madden with Samsara’s Grip should be remembered for more than his album cover depicting him in childhood antics when he was 3-years-old. Certainly I hope so.

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Smother.net

by J-Sin | 2004

Don’t worry all you pedophile watchers, this is Bill Madden, albeit slightly younger and less hung. And with that cover, one might be surprised at the gripping content that permeates “Samsara’s Grip”. A great testament to post-9/11 nationalistic bravado, this is a singer/songwriter album for the ages. Sure to get CMJ worked up as well as the morality police for the ironically covered album — innocent times that invoke fist-shaking years later. The production is awe-inspiring with some twang in those guitar strings and tone that most take decades to perfect. A portion of the album proceeds will be donated to The Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. And while many might see that as an omen that this is a serious album that will depress most, they’d be dead wrong — this is uplifting soft rock that you’ll be glad you popped in your stereo instantly.

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Splendid Magazine

by Justin Kownacki | 11.12.04

And now our moment of zen. Bill Madden comes from the school of topical folk rock with witty lyrics, warm production and heartfelt delivery — which is all well and good, but the twist on Samsara’s Grip is Madden’s conviction. He isn’t just spouting new age rhetoric from his coffee-stained bar stool, swaying before an audience of sweatered suburbanite liberals and their lattes; he’s living his beliefs every day. From his ten year vegan odyssey to his the prominently displayed links to Rock the Vote and The Global Fund on his web site, Madden’s ongoing effort to better himself isn’t limited to his music. It just happens to be his chief mechanism to better us, as well.

Freedy Johnston and Michael Penn have a kindred spirit in Madden, whose voice rings with rich emotion at every mention of “sex magick and wicca”, “god’s fine mess” and “idiot paradise / where every day’s a fools’ parade.” He namedrops Boddhisatva and other Eastern philosophy touchstones while clinging firmly to his love for Dylan (Bob and Thomas, one suspects) and struggling with the injustices of his day-to-day life. The inherent paradox in Madden’s work, and in Eastern philosophy in general, is summed up in “World Just Is”, on which he observes, “The world just is what it is” — a far cry from the call to arms of earlier tracks like the “Murder” and “Consequence of War”. Then again, as darkness cannot exist without light, so, too does peace require strife — or so the buddhas believe.

Madden’s messages can be a bit heavy-handed, but he makes a conscious effort not to ram his points down our throats. When he’s in doubt, he just turns up the amps and rocks, trusting that the path to nirvana runs through the dharma and distortion pedal in equal measure.

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Subba-Cultcha

by Doug Devaney | 2004

From its opening track, the jangle-poppy “Om Tat Sat”, it’s clear that Bill Madden’s latest album, ‘Samsara’s Grip’, is taking us into singer-songwriter country. It’s a radio-friendly country where you can find Dylan, Costello and Lennon on the stamps while Tom Petty stares up at you from the banknotes. What’s perhaps surprising is that the country is ruled not by one of this quartet but seems to have a benevolent dictator in Peter Gabriel. Time and again, the Womadman’s antic vocal and production styles pop up to check your passport.

Nowhere is this more obvious than on the second track, the excellent ‘Masterpiece’, based loosely on a comment by Mahatma Gandhi and containing the mantra “Your life is your masterpiece”. That Madden is a Buddhist and a vegan of ten years standing only serves to confirm the impression of a rock’n’roll hippy born after his time.

Not that Madden is anywhere near as elliptical as Gabriel or, indeed, any of the aforementioned influences. Instead, as a lyricist, he can be direct to the point of rudeness. Then again, this is hardly a time for poetic imagery. A hardline political activist by US standards (Madden is donating a share of the money from the album The Global Fund, which helps in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), time and again these songs urge you to cut through the crap and pretence of a situation and see it for what it is.

The lyrics to “Consequence of War” may read like embarrassingly earnest sixth-form poetry but, when backed by the solid trio of Gannon Arnold, Billy Mohler and Adam Watts, the song becomes reflective, almost poignant. In this day and age, then, it should hardly come as a shock that this album has already received some broadsides in the States, but – sad to say – it’s not for Madden’s lyrical content but for the album’s cover. It all seems innocent enough: a three-year old Madden, crew-cut and all, pulling on a chest-expander. But then, peaking out of his bathing shorts is a three-year-old’s penis (his own, obviously).

While Madden has complained about the reaction, describing it as the work of “morality police”, it’s obvious he’s gone out looking to provoke. Which is a pity because it distracts and detracts from an album that – while hardly pushing back the boundaries of the form – contains enough passion and power to hold its own, even in the face of sledgehammer critics.

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TheCelebrityCafe.com

by Michael Mardings | 09.16.04

Bill Madden’s latest album has gotten more attention for the album cover than the music itself. After all the controversy surrounding the cover, Madden may now only be known as “the guy with the kid’s penis on the cover.” Yes, it’s his picture from his childhood, but it seemed to stir the fires.

That said, Madden’s album is pretty good. He tells stories with a conscience that have an alternative/world music feel. In the press release, they list Eastern philosophy and Bob Dylan as influences and to be honest, I guessed both before I read the release. It comes across.

Now it’s an interesting situation when you have a songwriter who is trying to get across a social message but the message is being lost by the fact that the album cover is showing a child’s penis.

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The Phantom Tollbooth

by Brian A. Smith | 12.11.04

From the opening lines on “Om Tat Sat”: “the world is goin’ crazy” to the final “God’s fine mess” (“Experience”), Bill Madden is trying to make us aware of something: the world is going to Hell in a handbasket. Samsara’s Grip is eleven tales of woe and outrage, covering topics such as runaways, murder, lawyers, guns, and money, religion, terrorism, and war.

Ironically, the controversy over this album will be less over its subject matter than the cover of the disc, which features a three-year-old boy experiencing the phenomenon that revived Janet Jackson’s fame, a “wardrobe malfunction”.

Madden’s approach is somewhat as if Bob Dylan embraced Buddhism. “Om Tat Sat” throws its hands into the air against the world’s turmoil and resorts to meditation as a coping mechanism. “Masterpiece” encourages the pursuit of dreams, and owes something to Elvis Costello. “Consequences of War” is designed to prick the conscience of those who would discount their own prejudices.

“Right In The Head” is perhaps the most disturbing song, detailing a woman who is attractive in every sense, with the exception being her mental state. Madden also attacks the traditional concept of God in “Shrink The Guru,” “Samsara’s Grip,” and refers to “God’s charade” in “Experience.”

While it is difficult to agree with Madden’s Eastern influences, his social concerns are heartfelt and legitimate. Samsara’s Grip will disturb you, challenge you, and perhaps provoke discussion on how to resolve some of society’s woes.

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