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As an admirer of Minnesota based Matt Patrick's previous solo album, Change, his production work, and his contributions to the first few Sara Groves albums, I was very much looking forward to Time Flies.  Patrick, even after making me wait almost three years, does not disappoint with this disc.

"Dreams of Aberdeen" combines the sounds of Shawn Mullins with the Waiting, a unity that seems disharmonious at first, but Patrick pulls it off with alacrity.   "Sugar Sweet Sugar" is a tune about self-denial that can be applied in a broader, allegorical sense.  "Hurry" is one of my favorite pieces here, a song about love and understanding, and the need for both partners in a relationship to be able to appreciate it. 

The title track features Joel Hanson of PFR fame, and not so coincidentally, has a John Lennon feel to it.  "Worth Waiting For" is a dedication to Patrick's friends Dan and Erin Erickson, and details their marriage, and his time spent in the Iraq conflict.  Happily, they are home together now.   "Go" is a compelling song about following the calling of God, regardless of how much we wish to do other things. A live cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," with Joel Hanson on guitar, is priceless, and stands up to any version of this song that I've heard, including Rufus Wainwright's. 

Patrick again serves as a jack of all trades, contributing vocals, several instruments, and the productions work.   Minnesota's community of musicians pitches in here as well, though, as notable guests Nate Sabin, Jason Gay, the aforementioned Hanson, and Zach Miller all appear on several tracks.   Time Flies describes our lives perfectly, showing how we can miss the everyday events if we're not careful.  Let us hope that time will again fly while waiting for Patrick's next album. 

 
Brian A. Smith
30 December 2005