Eli – Second Hand Clothing

Description

Second Hand Clothing is the third album by the American singer and songwriter Eli (a.k.a. Paul Falzone), released on ForeFront Records in 1999, distributed in the US by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was recorded at Black Dog Studio in Nashville, Tennessee; with David Zaffiro of Bloodgood and Eli producing for Tea Time Productions.

Singer/songwriter Eli returns after last year’s Things I Prayed For with a sound that’s a little more stripped back toward the one voice and guitar folk tradition. Personal, yet broadly applicable, Eli writes catchy folk pop that thrives in his storytelling.

Eli’s songs look at life through the eyes of faith. He’s written two songs around his album title, Second Hand Clothing. While clinging to the reality that he is a child of God, «Second Hand Clothing Part 1» is about the singer’s desire to avoid certain pre-dispositions that might run in his biological father’s rummage sale-worthy past. The «Part 2» is about a young woman who doesn’t eschew seconds but adopts them as a sign of individuality and grace, adopted as a gift from God. «Valleys» explores the moment of hitting bottom, while «Stand» expresses the simple act of faith that frees one to love and service. «Unqualified» is not merely an expression of modesty but rather reminds listeners that we are all vessels for God’s creativity, goodness and love. Though we may assert our unworthiness, God can use us if we are available.

A songwriter worthy of our ears, Eli presses on with Second Hand Clothing, a nice collection of original songs sewn together as an everyman’s exploration of faith. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, December 1999]

Eli’s debut album Things That Matter introduced us to a singer/songwriter with a flair for observation, poignant thoughts and a strong melody. Building on the strength of that, Eli returns with a thoughtful release which sees him grow in his talents whilst maintaining a sound which is familiar and comfortable. Eli’s warm expressive voice is the perfect vehicle for these songs as it seems to immediately connect and pull you into the themes of the songs. Highlights include the title track (in two parts!) with part one an acoustic reflection of his roots and a metaphor for escaping the influences of the past. Part two is a full-on soulful rocking encouragement not to judge by appearances. Eli has a neat turn of phrase and a self-deprecating sense of humour expressed in the hard hitting «The Hypocrites Song». On «Grace Walks By» he cleverly personifies God’s grace and forgiveness as a woman dancing, rejected by our bitterness which robs us of all that we could enjoy. An enjoyable album with much to say. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, June 2000]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/second-hand-clothing/724530592)

CD tracklist:

01. Stand
02. Not Going Back
03. Second Hand Clothing Part 1
04. Writings On The Wall
05. Unqualified
06. Brother
07. What’s Left Of Me
08. I’ll Stay Right Here (Moments)
09. Grace Walks By
10. Hypocrite Song
11. Second Hand Clothing Part 2
12. Valleys

[youtube_sc url=”” playlist=”GR6sMxpo1l4,NZE0_X7MNI8,RUHmPHdwijg,lKx-RqCIbik,JnHieMjjR9E,FFDvahMHhUA,boa2HGis3Sc,ukjbwckCUj8,D5OWbhptZS8,RxrjzF_NwXA,vZgtcynwRU8,W9xslW5nsc0″ title=”Eli, Second Hand Clothing – Stand + Not Going Back + Second Hand Clothing Part 1 + Writings On The Wall + Unqualified + Brother + What’s Left Of Me + I’ll Stay Right Here (Moments) + Grace Walks By + Hypocrite Song + Second Hand Clothing Part 2 + Valleys” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]