"Broken bones, open arms," a feature
article in the Wenatchee World by Abby Holmes, Wenatchee World
staff writer. Wenatchee
World | Read
article
"On Yesterday's Icons, former Chicagoan Michael Carlos provides
critiques of everything from politics to entertainment. Though
sincere, he retains a lightheartedness so he doesn't sound dogmatic
or humorless. "Armani Suits And Handcuffs" is a perfect
example with its reference to recent white collar criminals. "Reality"
is his take on various insipid TV shows and rings with a nostalgic
and melancholy tone. Throughout, his guitar playing is deft and
capably complemented by a roster of Chicago musicians." -
Patrick Conlan, Illinois
Entertainer | See
review
"Michael Carlos covers a wide range of musical
territory and offers much humorous commentary on American pop
culture..." -Tacoma
Weekly | Read
full review
"This political and cultural commentary is
done with smart sardonic humor. The ease with which Michael Carlos
portrays Americana is refreshing. There is no biting edge or anger
that so often comes with music despondent with the world. Instead,
Carlos takes the straightforward approach. He sings about life
as he sees it, and his picture is clear." - Rikk's
Revues | Read
entire text here
"A singer-songwriter in an age where singer-songwriters seem
like woefully archaic relics, Michael Carlos's Yesterday's Icons
succeeds against many odds. While the arrangement choices don't
separate Carlos much from the pack, his lyrics are packed with
prose-like details of life in contemporary culture. Songs like
"Armani Suits and Handcuffs" -- with lyrics like "There
must have been some kind of mistake / Guys who wear suits don't
get taken away / In handcuffs and squad cars in the light of day"
-- and the Spanish-influenced "Maria," Carlos might
be sold as a reincarnation of the brutally observant Warren Zevon
(minus, it would seem, the chemical self-destructiveness). When
Carlos loosens up a little, he'll be fantastic.
Oblique Strategies sez: 'Always first steps.'" - Jambands.com
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review
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