The Broken Headphones EP
Artist: Jason Harwell http://www.jasonharwell.com
Label: Rebuilt Records http://www.rebuiltrecords.com)
Length: 5 tracks / 18:55

Into Danger + Out of Rescue EP
Artist: David Herndon http://www.davidherndonmusic.com
Label: Rebuilt Records http://www.rebuiltrecords.com)
Length: 5 tracks / 18:15

Pawn Shop
Artist: Micah Dalton 
Label: Rebuilt Records 
Length: 12 tracks / 44:27

In times of doubt, a well-meaning sermon or even "a good talking to" are often more annoying than encouraging. Sometimes it's enough to just listen to some "believers" (How's that for a non-threatening, nondenominational Christian code word?) sing about their experiences with dissatisfaction, imperfection and loneliness. A listener quite often takes great comfort from simply knowing that the songwriter swirling through the headphones or car speakers shares the faith with which he may be wrestling. Sometimes that's enough. For such listeners, as well as the solid-rock faithful, a trio of releases from "your friendly neighborhood nonprofit recording company" (a.k.a. Rebuilt Records) will be welcome additions to a record collection.

Rebuilt founder Jason Harwell finally returned to the studio himself to record some songs to follow up his brilliant 2004 Alive in the Fallalbum. The five-song The Broken Headphones EP is a logical and welcome continuation of the lyrical pop genius he showed on his full-length debut. Harwell's optimistic disposition, kind-hearted humor, masterful phrasing and likeable melodies beg the 18:56-minute question: "Awwww, is that all?"  From the opening storytelling tune, "Afterfall," which document's Harwell's journey to create and sustain his nonprofit recording company, to the tender, daddy-by-your-side closing track, "Flowers (For Molly)," Harwell offers up a pleasing collection of top shelf songs. (Note: The Broken Headphones packaging deserves a shout-out too: a nearly clear disc printed with superb artwork folded into an eco-friendly brown paper containing the liner notes, all neatly tucked into an unbleached muslin wrap. Stunning.) 

In perhaps the most prolific liner notes in EP history­43 pages for this five-song, 18-minute disc­David Herndon provides incredible reflection on the songs that make up his Into Danger + Out of Rescue release. His devotional essays and not exactly rhetorical questions offer a great personal study in human faith and failings. Thankfully, the songs he delivers rise to the quality of his words in print. Akin to Harwell's pleasing melodies and acoustic warmth, Herndon fits well into the Rebuilt family. Stylish electronic enhancements and fantastic background vocals (from several other Rebuilt artists) make for a "you've got to hear this
 guy" EP.

The stellar musical and packaging quality, as well as the significance of liner notes (this one contains a short story about a fictional character named Pawnshop), continues in Micah Dalton's full-length Rebuilt release, Pawn Shop. Dalton's agreeable, raspy voice compliments his laid-back acoustic vibe, ala a more bluesy Jack Johnson or a more acoustic John Legend. Standout tracks include the good-feelin' stroll, "We Could Take the Backroads," the porch-stompin' slider, "The Autobiography of Milton Burroughs," and the soulful thumper, "Down Down Put It Down." A gifted songwriter, Dalton's ear for poetry and melody is sure to catch the attention of more than a few critics.

Like the legendary I.R.S. or more modern Northern Records, and Tooth and Nail, Rebuilt Records is building a solid reputation for outstanding artists and albums. Quality releases like those mentioned above add to Rebuilt's growing profile.

Greg Adams
07/15/08