Michael Kenzik is self-identified as a progressive folk artist, but applying that genre to "Death Of A Chain Smoker" is inappropriate. He is a singer-songwriter ... plain and simple. If shoved into a corner and forced to listen to:
, I would describe the album as accessible version "Closing Time" (Tom Waits). Unlike Waits, you do not have to be the certain type of music fan and in the right mood to appreciate Michael.
At first, I was afraid that Mr. Kenzik's dark and lengthy record (15 tracks) would be a difficult listen. Strangely, His metaphorical wordplay helped me escape my human bias and gain point of view (or hear) access with him in his compelling personal journey.
"Death Of A Chain Smoker" chronicles Michael's increasing pessimism based on complications from: heartbreak ("Think Of Me As That Bird" and "In A Little While"); isolation ("Church Music For A Religion That Does Not Exist"); delirium ["Planting Geraniums In Iraq" (see below)] and etc. The music features guitar (both acoustic and electric) and an intimately whimsical production (which perfectly balances the record's mood).
As a critic, I look for missing or misplaced elements from a recording. My greatest testament is that I do not know how Michael Kenzik could have made "Death Of A Chain Smoker" any better. The songs are so well-written and the music has such sufficient variation (within his wheelhouse) that never becomes an arduous listen.
Live performance of "Planting Geraniums in Iraq"
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