Goldmine: Review of Emerge (John Borack)
Photo: Charlie Homo
"Has it really been nearly 15 years since we’ve been gifted with a new Chris von Sneidern record? But now the long wait is over and CvS returns with Emerge, a 15-track disc that often strays quite far from the Badfinger-esque pop for which CvS is best known. Like some of the other tunes here (the hypnotic “Leaving Here,” “It’s Gonna Be Alright”), the theme is rising above pain and darkness and discovering a new beginning. So [...] it’s a wonderfully evocative record well worth investigating. Grade: A"
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Powerpopaholic: Review of Emerge (Aaron Kupferberg)
Photo: Charlie Homo
"Emerge is very much a therapeutic type of album. The gentle “Madrigal” is an acapella prayer, which leads to the title track. Chris explains where he’s been, “Imagine feeling drowned/oppressed, confused, and bound” with some beautiful piano and horn flourishes. Chris still has melodic gifts and “Tree Fort” is a great example with its layered chorus and marching rhythm. The big highlight “Hey Ron” is pure power pop; catchy and infectious – it’s what fans have been waiting for. I’m just glad he’s back, and you should check it out."
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SFGate: Cinema by the bay
Photo: Victoria Renard
"You might not find a person who exemplifies the spirit of San Francisco more than rock musician Chris von Sneidern, who has stubbornly stuck to his creative vision through thick and a whole lot of thin."
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Extraordinary Movie & Video Guide review: Why Isn't Chris von Sneidern Famous?
"Although in the latter part of the documentary you might get a feeling that story does not really unfold and the target is missing, it is saved by McNamara's ability to get close to von Sneidern and his friends & family. Chris opens himself up to McNamara and so does his bandmates - so directly, that even hurts." online article...
The Cars – Tribute: Substitution Mass Confusion
"But it all stops with Chris von Sneidern’s take of Drive.
The one song I thought could NOT be done, the signature song of the late Ben Orr.... GREAT PRODUCTION CHRIS !!!] And with a plain and simple vocal and a guitar and some background noises, Chris pays a great tribute and still manages to make the song his own."
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The one song I thought could NOT be done, the signature song of the late Ben Orr.... GREAT PRODUCTION CHRIS !!!] And with a plain and simple vocal and a guitar and some background noises, Chris pays a great tribute and still manages to make the song his own."
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PopMatters.com review: The Wild Horse
"CVS is older and wiser now, and no less talented. While still covering a host of instruments on this self-produced collection, he has written songs in a wider variety of styles and is unafraid of slowing things down to better express the host of difficult emotions behind any song.
Right from the start, you’ll hear the difference. “Remember” is a deceptively upbeat ballad about thinking back on a love that decidedly was one-sided. A great trumpet solo points up what truly is a very full and accomplished arrangement all around. For contrast’s sake, there’s a more soulful 6/8 version of this same song that closes this CD." online article...
Right from the start, you’ll hear the difference. “Remember” is a deceptively upbeat ballad about thinking back on a love that decidedly was one-sided. A great trumpet solo points up what truly is a very full and accomplished arrangement all around. For contrast’s sake, there’s a more soulful 6/8 version of this same song that closes this CD." online article...
East Bay Express review: The Wild Horse
"The mini-epic "Great American Dream" is but one high point here, with its wistful California-dreamin' harmonies (by Chicagoans Kelly Hogan and Neko Case) dramatically thick as early morning seaside fog. In a better world than this, the surging "Neighbor's Dog" would be a hit, with its steely-glistening layered guitars, punchy bass, and brisk pace that makes it feel shorter each time you listen."
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SF Weekly review: Headful of Words: The Best of CvS, Volume One
"The elegantly yearning, acoustic-driven "One Side in Heaven" will elicit recollections of your first rain-on-the-windowpane heartbreak, and the rousing "Sight & Sound" is the best song the Monkees never did. Whereas a lot of retro pop is initially catchy but easy to tire of, Headful reveals new enchantments with successive listens."
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The Sounds of Silence
Why the Bay Area has stopped producing big-time rock bands
"Another problem, according to pop artist Chris von Sneidern, is that San Francisco's aging would-be groupies have started spending time elsewhere -- like in their own apartments. 'I think people are into a little bit more of an adult bag here,' says von Sneidern, who is currently contemplating a move to Seattle. 'I think it's just about nesting.'" read more...
