Pidgeman (Without You)

Reviewed by Steve Gilmore on (Tuesday, April 21, 2009) Rated 8.8 / 10
Category Rating
Track Structure 8
Interest 9
Melody 9
Performance 9
Lyrics 9
Enjoyment 9
Recording Quality 8
Commercial Appeal 9
Overall 8.8


At this point in time, I have reviewed getting on for a dozen Pidgeman tracks and discovered that this rock based musician is generally worth listening to.   Personally I still think he is capable of much, much more but his catalog of tracks on Mp3 Unsigned (and Soundclick) will show a very competent musician and songwriter, sometimes let down by the equipment he is working with.  A common complaint I know, but one that hold some importance IMHO.  Nonetheless, if you like good old fashioned guitar rock with a touch of alternative thrown in for good luck, then Craig Matthews (aka Pidgeman) and you should strike up an acquaintance.  In a manly kind of way of course ;)

One of my main problems with this artist has always been something that he doesn't have a lot of experience in and I guess that isn't fair, but it counts.  Pidgeman is a musician who really needs a producer to bring out both his music and his arrangements.  Don't get me wrong, all the parts are there; he's a very good songwriter, decent guitarist and manages to fill his tracks ith all the right noises - as the merest drive by listen to Without You would show.  With its sub-Sharona riff and lovely dovey lyrics, you can really see that Pidgeman definitely knows his stuff - as I've said loads and loads of times.

So why then, is there always this question hanging around whenever I listen to him?  It's the the overall sound and arrangement for me, and always has been.  I have no problem with his lyrics, this man writes some incredibly catchy hooks.  His voice hasn't always worked for me but I think I'd put that down to production as well, but the overall sound always has a demo feel (which it probably is, thinking about it) but I know the the added production knowledge would really allow this musician to come into his own.  There again, as always, I seem to be in the minority because all the comments posted about this track are very positive indeed and maybe I just hear something that isn't all that relevant - but it is to me.  Curmudgeon suit aside, this is a breezy pop rock number despite all I've said.

Highly Recommended pop rock.

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