Mike Marino & His Restless Soul redefines a world long since disappeared from American tradition and culture. The ‘60s, as tumultuous as they were, pale in comparison to the complex social issues we deal with today. Those were times that I could ride my bicycle around town without a care in the world. Today I cannot let my children walk down the street by themselves without having to worry that some sick individual will grab them and drive away. My point is that I can relate to what Marino is singing about in all of his songs. “Another World,” “Another Time/Another Place” and “Everything Has Changed” takes all of these thoughts and more and puts them into proper perspective from the artists’ viewpoint, which does not vary all that much from my own. This particular verse from “Everything Has Changed” really hit home:

Once I knew my way around
I could find you in the dark
But now…everything has changed
It’s tough to bear my fragile soul
In such a cold hard world
Now…that it’s all been rearranged!

These are the words of poet/sage with a guitar; like a combination of CSNY and Lou Reed, heartfelt and to the point with a real world edge to it all. As indicated by the credits on this CD, Marino is D.Y.I. kind of guy and a literal one-man musical machine. He gets a little help from his friends, although the many talents he commands are his greatest advantage with this project.

His guitar playing is very good but he could use some help in the vocal department. Sometimes he sounds good and in other instances, he is sub par, which brings the song down a notch or two, not to the point that it ruins the song by any means though. I think if he really wants to take his career to the next level, he should combine his talents with a lead singer, male or female, that has a stronger range and flexibility. His possibilities are endless.

Musically this album is one of merit and worthy of your attention for many reasons. The combination of rock, blues, Americana, roots and poetry are an effective vehicle for making his point known and clearly understood, in the end the mission is accomplished and that is a victory for Mike Marino and the listener.

Rating  7/10