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Arthur Yoria

by Arthur Yoria

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Tony Tuthill
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Tony Tuthill I have a deep personal connection to this song and the Star Trek; YouTube Cartoon, version of it. Favorite track: Strange Grin.
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1.
Don’t be ashamed or insecure Just don’t believe that you’re demure Don’t seek assistance with the scene your making But don’t give in to my indifferent sigh Oh, kill your good sense with me Let’s drink and then go repeat history I’m in the mood to make several mistakes in a row Don’t settle the bill I need some more I’m not ashamed to be your whore By the way, they said that there’s someone new with you And as far as they could tell he looks like me Oh, kill your good sense quickly Let’s leave and then go repeat history I’m in the mood to make several mistakes in a row, on the floor, in the place we met before There is poetry in emptiness That’s why I always turn to us when I ’m in the mood to make several mistakes in a row Oh, kill your good sense with me There’s no use in pondering history I’m in the mood to make several mistakes in a row, on the floor, in the place we met before There is poetry in emptiness That’s why I always turn to us when I’m in the mood to make several mistakes in a row
2.
What did I say this time to make you want to cry? How does it feel to be my victim in your mind? What did you tell yourself to scare yourself? I’m not so bad In fact, I’m just like you my love You scare me too Don’t be fooled if I appear amused I might be crazy but so are you What if the loudest yells are calculated well? And everything we do is only a review? I’ll bet you tell your friends that you’re in hell I’m not so bad In fact, I’m just like you my love I’m in hell too Don’t be fooled if I appear amused I might be the one who doesn’t speak and the one who doesn’t call but you have never lost any sleep over me I’ll bet you tell your friends that you’re in hell I’m not so bad In fact, I’m just like you my love I’m in hell too Don’t be fooled if I appear amused I might be crazy but so are you
3.
Insufficient indication of a coefficient Most of it unsound In the kitchen and underneath the house They kept the heathens in mounds But the anger leaves no trace on any face I see So it’s up to me You won’t interest me again I’ll be a cynical heavy reader with no TV The lighting is good and the narrator could be The lone survivor of this ugly scene A picture’s worth a thousand words But the eulogies are read for free The editing is understood by everyone but me And the anger leaves no trace on any face I see So it’s up to me You won’t interest me again I’ll be a cynical heavy reader with no TV I’ve been feeling around for the shit on the ground But I know that it’s inside me I see So it’s up to me You won’t interest me again I’ll be a cynical heavy reader with no TV
4.
Strange Grin 03:30
I could have been Almost anything But I chose to be Your latest faithful little friend If you looked where you could see You might notice a strange grin within the innocence that’s giving me the leverage I’ll use on you Don’t you find it comforting that I’m so good at listening when I’m with you? I think it’s working Just as I planned You want to hold my hand Tell me everything You can trust in me ‘cause I’m your friend Just keep looking straight ahead And you won’t notice the strange grin within the innocence that’s giving me the leverage I’ll use on you Don’t you find it comforting that I’m so good at listening when I’m with you? And don’t you find it somewhat interesting that I always know what your thinking and I always know what you need? You might notice a strange grin within the innocence that’s giving me the leverage I’ll use on you I could have been Almost anything

about

From Pop Matters Music- July 12 2001
By Jeremy Hart

Seduction. That's what Arthur Yoria's self-titled debut is all about; at least, that's my bet, after listening to the songs and pondering over the discarded-bathrobe/panties-on-the-bathroom-floor sleeve photos. Okay, well, maybe it's not all about seduction, per se, but the CD is definitely about relationships of the destructive kind, and Yoria isn't making it much of a secret. Starting right at the beginning with "Of the Lovely", he charges in with a bitterly angry resolution not to fall for the person who just hurt him, and then turns the tables with "Just Like You", trying to mend things after a fight.

"Strange Grin" peers inside the mind of a "Platonic friend" who's plotting to be more, gaining the object of his affection's trust by being a sensitive listener -- it's not an uncommon ploy, admittedly, but it's made a bit sinister here when the narrator mentions the "leverage" his position gives him. "Several Mistakes in a Row" takes a different angle, this time wanting to "repeat history" with an ex, just for a night, but the tone is the same.

Actually, throughout this four-song EP, Yoria brings to mind fellow popster David Garza, and it's mostly because of that tone, the one that that quavering, delicate, multitracked voice evokes (although there's also a similar penchant for little electronic touches in his songs, to boot). Maybe it's an easy comparison, but it's one that sprang to mind the first time I put the disc in the CD player, and it's stuck with me. Being compared to David Garza's not a bad thing, mind you (for my money, his last album was just about brilliant), and it's certainly not the end of the story. There's a bit of Elvis Costello here and there, especially in the sardonic lyrics of "Strange Grin", a little Michael Penn in the delivery, and even some My Bloody Valentine-inspired effects-heavy guitar, the big, swirling mass that slams in at the start of "Of the Lovely".

Overall, this is one very impressive EP; I'm very curious to see what Yoria's got up his sleeve after this (he'd already released stuff over the last six years or so with local Houston heroes The Jeepneys and Lavendula before heading out under his own name). What can I say? I'm a sucker for intelligent, lovestruck lyrics, beautiful rock-out guitars and gorgeous pop melodies, and this CD definitely fits the bill.



From The Houston Press- July 12 2001

By Sande Chen

Just nominated for Best New Act in the Houston Press Music Awards, Arthur Yoria has generated quite a buzz around town with his frequent gigs. Yoria's self-produced, self-titled EP on his own label, K Oso Records, available at Cactus, is his first release under his own name. He's not a complete unknown, though. Yoria played in the local band the Jeepneys and in a solo bilingual project known as Lavendula.

The resulting EP is a shimmering accomplishment and, to be sure, a good thing despite its lack of publicity. Yoria's songs have been played on college radio, but they would fit comfortably on a mainstream alternative station, on a set with Semisonic and Third Eye Blind.

The lyrics can be exceedingly cruel, but the catchy music masks this bitter streak. Yoria may croon, "Don't be fooled if I appear amused" on "Just Like You," but the music is too contagious not to sing along. Like "Strange Grin," "Just Like You" is emotive, slower, but with driving hooks.

"Several Mistakes in a Row," a surefire winner, showcases Yoria's expressive vocals. His voice is soothing and pleading. It's a great song for sad days when there's nothing to do but brood on past deeds. The best song, by far, is the first. Instantly likable with ready-made choruses, "Of the Lonely" has that intangible hit quality. A pop song to the max, it exemplifies Yoria's songcraft. In fact, Yoria was voted Houston's Best Singer/Songwriter in the 1998 Public News readers' poll.

The prolific Yoria continues to write songs and no doubt will perform new gems at upcoming shows.



From David J Music.com- June 30

2001 By David J

Houston's Arthur Yoria has guts. He begins his self-titled four-song EP with the lines, "Insufficient indication of a coefficient/Most of it unsound." It would take superhuman melodic strength to overcome such an unwieldy mouthful. The song in question, "Of the Lovely," alternates between jazzy intimacy and power chords worthy of the Pixies, ably proving that Yoria is up to the challenge. The sparkling hooks easily overtake the song's initial lyrical awkwardness.

The three remaining songs achieve a similar melodic refinement and musical fluidity. Not just a darn good songwriter, Yoria is a skilled arranger who lends an air of rare sophistication to the proceedings without sacrificing rock muscle or pop accessibility. "Just Like You" and "Strange Grin" delve into the complexities of personal relationships. The first wryly compares a relationship to a shared hellish insanity, while the second portrays one of the parties as an unrepentant puppet master.

The EP's landmark is "Several Mistakes in a Row," an insightful and wickedly funny take on the reincarnation of a dead relationship: "Kill your good sense quickly/Let's leave and then go repeat history." I know the feeling, and Yoria expresses it with knowing ease. Clearly, he is a talented singer-songwriter with an intelligent and grown-up message to convey.

Clocking in at just under 15 minutes, Arthur Yoria leaves me begging for more. The evidence here suggests that Mr. Yoria will not disappoint.



From Splended Magazine- July 23 2001

By Amy Leach

Arthur Yoria / Self-Titled / K Oso (CD)

Often I find myself really wanting to like a band or an artist, either because they seem like such good people or because they want to play music so badly. Sadly, as much as I want to like them, the music doesn't always hold up -- and what it comes down to, after all, is the music. Strangely enough, this disc had the exact opposite effect on me. After reading Arthur Yoria's press release, which speaks of his "pretty boy looks" and his ability to "seduce" audiences, and after viewing his album artwork, with his aren't-I-sexy gaze on the cover, I wasn't exactly expecting the best. In fact, I wanted to not like him. Then I played the disc, and was reminded once again that it's about the music. And the music is lovely. Pretty boy or not, Yoria has a knack for writing beautiful, melancholy songs a la Jeff Buckley, charged with a bit of Matthew Sweet-styled pop, creating a most satisfying listening experience. The only musical flaw I found (and believe me, I was looking) was Yoria's tendency to sound a bit too much like Buckley, most obviously on the fourth and final track, "Several Mistakes In A Row". -- al



From Amazon

Reviewer: A music fan from Houston, TX United States

Arthur yoria has the most beautiful voice, October 10, 2001

This is a great CD to just relax to. It isnt too heavy, but it serves a purpose. I do enjoy how soothing arthur's voice is. I agree with th past reviewer whom i cannot recall the name of, but he said that there should have been more songs. I would have like to give this a 4.5 stars but since there is no middle ground on these ratings, i thought that this must be just a tweaking type album to see how the peoole liked it. Arthur yoria and his band are a local only type ordeal so it is naturally not going to have a full length album the first time around. But these 4 songs are captivating none the less, if you do live in houson, see one of their live shows, they do an awesome job.



From Amazon

By Wendy Wilson

Listen to this CD a couple of times before you form your opinion, it's very catchy and wants to be explored. I saw Arthur perform at a music festival recently and I was immediately and utterly captivated by the emotion, range and stage presence this man has. Arthur and his band are an impressive, tight package. I hope a sharp producer somewhere catches a listen soon. Music that deserves to be shared and experienced. Lyrically, compare to the Beatles at their most mature (maybe a little darker and more modern). My first listen brought comparisons to Ours (which of course implies Jeff Buckley) and Radiohead with a quirky bit of 80's melodic optimisim. The timing seems right for this particular sound and Arthur Yoria is a fresh and welcome addition to such a collection of talent.



From Amazon

Beautiful Music from unique Texas Artists!, September 7, 2001

Reviewer: clockwatchers from Houston, TX USA

I met Arthur Yoria at a local show in May, 2001. He was an unassuming, friendly guy who invited me to see his band play at Cactus Records the following day. My friends said I'd like his music and that he was really getting a good buzz around town so I decided to spend my next afternoon CD shopping and listening to the band. When I saw them play for the first time I can't say I was immediately hooked. I actually thought they sounded a bit like Semisonic, not my favorite brand of rock. I think it was the settings on the distortion Arthur used that day. Still, Arthur was very friendly as was his entire band. I decided to give them a chance to grow on me. In subsequent shows they really have done just that! They have become my favorite Houston band. What sets them apart from the crowd? The unique aspects of Arthur Yoria are Arthur's voice, his direct lyrics, and a Steel Guitar player who uses effects pedals. The nuances on this too short e.p. are beautiful, thoughtful, and extremely catchy. You can listen to the tracks so I don't really have to compare them to any other bands, but their self comparisons to Jeff Buckley are pretty accurate. I assure you they are made tongue in cheek. Why 4 stars instead of 5? I wish they'd have recorded at least one more song; my favorite song of theirs isn't even on it. I eagerly await their next offering! I hope it's a full legnth LP.



From CD SHAKEDOWN.com

Randy Krbechek © 2001

Arthur Yoria (K Oso Records) - As a general rule, I don't review EPs. However, Arthur Yoria of Houston has a polished sound on this four-track eponymous album.

A native of Chicago, Arthur moved to Houston in the late 80's, and eventually enrolled at the University of Houston. Yoria was voted Houston's best singer/songwriter in a 1998 reader's poll.

The songs on the album have a smoothly-polished sound, with a subtly techno feel. Think Britpop, with singer/songwriter influences. Adds Mr. Yoria, "I'm attempting to walk the lines between accessibility, creativity, and uniqueness. I love well-crafted, catchy and poignant melodies, and I think that every song that I record and promote should be unique and captivating."

Try the textured pop of "Several Mistakes in a Row" and you'll hear that Arthur has an ability to wrap meaning in a well-textured sound.

credits

released May 1, 2001

Ilya Janos Kolozs-drums, perc.
Edwin Casapao-bass
Matt Rhodes-pedal steel
Bryan Bryant-piano
Arthur Yoria-guitars, vocals, keys

all songs by Arthur Yoria
produced by Arthur Yoria
recorded at Static House Studios by Jamie Sralla
mixed by Arthur Yoria & Jamie Sralla
mastered by Jerry Tubb

This recording is dedicated to Patricia Rolando

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about

Arthur Yoria Houston, Texas

Arthur Yoria is a Colombian/American singer/songwriter/producer that has toured extensively in the U.S, Europe and South America. His Bedroom Pop songs have been used in commercials for Domino's Pizza, Arizona Jeans and been featured in the major motion pictures, National Lampoon's Adam & Eve and Breaking Dawn and the network hit television shows The O.C. and Felicity. ... more

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