The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, My Parents, My Sister's record collection! David Mead, Gilbert O' Sullivan, Nilsson, E.L.O. Elvis Costello, Mel Torme, Rufus Wainwright, The Honeybus, Michael Penn, Duncan Maitland, Ron Sexsmith, The Rembrandts, Wings, Jellyfish, Jason Falkner, Brendan Benson, Pernice Brothers, Finn Brothers, High Llamas, Sugarbomb, Ether (the Welsh ones), Dodgy, Squeeze, Del Amitri, XTC, Crowded house, Jonatha Brooke, Badfinger, The Association, The Zombies, Emitt Rhodes, James Taylor, life..
Fran King “could teach doctoral studies in Pop Craftsmanship”, ran the review from U.S. based NOTLAME.COM, while waxing lyrical on King’s 2006 solo debut album “Beautification”. Indeed, it’s a testament to Fran’s song-writing. Melody driven, well constructed, thought provoking pop / rock, would equally be apt to describe one of Ireland’s rising star’s fine catalogue of material thus far.
He was a founding member of “Beach”, a Dublin based Pop / Rock outfit in the late 90’s, who had modest top twenty success in Ireland before disbanding in 1999. A year later, Fran began tentative steps towards recording his aforementioned and highly acclaimed debut solo album. Writing and recording two short film soundtracks (one award winning), and working in the studio / live with Sir George Martin (Beatles Producer), Tears for Fears, Sugababes (U.K.), Nick Seymour (Crowded House), Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze)... to name but a few, along the way.
He’s just released a new album (Dec 2008) titled “Under the Stars”, with his side project SUNFLOW, consisting of Fran, and New Jersey native Nancy Falkow. The album was produced by Duncan Maitland, who was responsible for Producing King’s solo album. Thus far the reviews have compared Fran’s voice and song-writing to that of Harry Nilsson & Paul McCartney (both huge influences).
He’s already begun work on recording his eagerly awaited follow up to 2006/7’s Beautification, tentatively titled “My Sweet Elixir”, and hopes to have it released in the summer of 2009. Fran is currently managed, and musically based out of, the fine Mid-Western City of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Media reviews:
"Sun kissed shimmery pop/rock, equal parts Brendan Benson & Elvis Costello with old school love songs, infectious...”HOT PRESS “ (Irish Music Industry Bible)
"Sublimely beautiful songs that slow burn their way to your heart”... “DUBLIN MAIL” (Irish Press)
"Somewhat of a rarity these days, strong melodies, a very fine debut...” DAILY MIRROR” (Irish Press)
"He had me after the album's beautiful intro, worthy of international exposure...” ECHO “(Irish Press)
"I like the sound of this CD. A very dry vocal sound brings to mind Emitt Rhodes and McCartney. Great melodies and chord changes prevail. I especially like "Misunderstood". Well done to Fran." “Steve” (MELODY MAGAZINE, U.S.A.)
"Sophisticated adult pop, If you’re a fan of David Mead & Neil Finn, you'll love this record, one of my top twenty of 2005"- (ABSOLUTEPOWERPOP.COM, U.S.A.)
"King has the ability to teach doctoral studies in pop craftsmanship." “NOTLAME.COM” (U.S.A.)
WWW.ITSABOUTMUSIC.COM
hey fran! i haven't stopped by in awhile so i figured i would give the tunes a listen that i've been missing out on. it sounds good! hope you're well and all-shannon
Wish you could be here next Thursday; full rhythm section. Should be fun. Looking forward to seeing you again next month, Fran. EP will be in hand this Monday. I'll send it to you straight away.
Fran, just HAD to stop by and tell ya how much I love the song DREAM BOAT.
I'm a HUGE Beatles fan, and it's been a long time since I've heard anyone NAIL that McCartney sound!!! If I didn't know better I would have thought that I was listening to a new recording of Paul going back to his roots of the late 60's or early 70's. Just wonderful Fran.
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