By DAVID SALLINGER, Daily News Entertainment Editor     07/05/2002

Stout's new CD celebrates 'Human Spirit' Mike Stout has a niche, and that's kinda too bad. He actually should be heard by those comfortably ensconced in other niches, not just by those who see him as a champion for the working class.  As far as Stout is concerned, "The Human Spirit Will Prevail," which, coincidentally, is the title of his new CD on his American Blue Collar label.  He argues his case in a variety of styles and tempos, and in the case of the new collection, over a number of years (earliest date on a song is 1981; most recent is 18 days after Sept. 11).  That post-attack track, "There Are No Real Winners in War," reflects Stout's anger at man's continual inhumanity. Haunting, a flute giving it a spooky atmosphere and with a Celtic feel to the chorus, the song ought to inspire a producer somewhere to gather such Sept. 11 responses for an anthology.

Recorded at McKeesport's Soundscape Studios, "Human Spirit" is likewise buoyed by "We Need a Movement" which, in the wake of terrorism, might now mean more than originally intended. Though Stout is promoting the organization of those he sees as downtrodden, he's circumspect in his multi-layered and textured approach. It reminds a bit of that transition period from folk to folk-rock.

"Hey, Mr. Gooberhead" likewise finds itself in the keeper pile. Countrified, humorous yet pointed, it's likely to inspire sing-alongs from those who've had a few.  Joining the keepers is "Don't Let Them Put Out the Fire," which is more about a spiritual blaze than something tangible (or something sprinkled with chilis). Good fiesta arrangement.   Stout further prevails with the mid-rhythmic "I Think You Need Some Solidarity" and "We Ain't Going Away," one of the oldest selections, and angrier, a little more strident than his more contemporary compositions (wouldn't hurt if we knew who "we" are, and what "we're" not going away from). 

In the aggressive "We're Still Sisters and Brothers Here," Stout went for more conceptual lyrics. "Enough's Enough" falls into the old hot rod category of zipping along some dark country road; it plays on us vs. them. Stout's classic "White Corporate Man in a Business Suite" is rockabilly, a theme song for the New World Disorder. "When the Judgement Day Comes" is a theme for those who oppose that disorder, a flag-waver for the oppressed and those who realize they're responsible for allowing power to center on a few.  Concluding the collection is the title track, a post-apocalyptic promise, more balladic, allowing it all to end on a hopeful note.  Stout was aided by Robbie Klein on sax and flute (no wonder there's some jazz flavoring), John Parrendo on violin and fiddle (no wonder there's some country flavoring) and Chris Procopio on drums (no wonder the album frequently rocks).   Also adding their skills were Fred Nelson on guitar, Matt Harrington on keyboards and strings and Steve Landay on bass.

©The McKeesport Daily News 2006