r e v i e w s David Wolfenberger Tales From Thom Scarecrow CityBeat, 7/22/99 By Mike Breen Another fine product from the local Blue Jordan label was recently released. David Wolfenberger's Tales From Thom Scarecrow is yet another fine addition to a burgeoning music scene of smart Contemporary quasi-Folk singer/songwriters (aided indubitably by Northern Kentucky radio station WNKU, whose playlist often features a slew of local acts). Wolfenberger has brought Cincinnati enticing and eclectic sounds in the past as leader of both the Marshwiggles and Thom Scarecrow, two bands that acoustically merged traditional ideas with unique songwriting concepts and structures. Produced by Ric Hordinksi with his usual Daniel Lanois-like hauntedness, Tales From Thom Scarecrow shows Wolfenberger in a somewhat melancholic light and it makes for a fascinating and exceptionally memorable listen. Rootsy harmonies abound and Wolfenberger's assembled backing band flesh out the songs with a spirited, celestial energy, but Wolfenberger's songwri .ting is the focal point. "Tentatively Vince Foster" is the album's most dazzling piece, a rolling song that soars with sprawling melodies that continually lilt to unexpected heights throughout the course of the song. Essentially a solid Pop album with a distinct soulfulness, Wolfenberger taps into an underlying Beatles-vibe that emerges subtly in the morose carnival ride "Notes From the Vault" and "Apocalyptic Dream" comes off like a young Neil Young covering George Harrison's gem "I Me Mine." Wolfenberger's ability to bring so much substance and depth to his music is refreshing and his songs are remarkably engaging and engulfing. Wolfenberger belongs in the same company as emerging songwriting talents like Ron Sexsmith and ex-Jayhawk Mark Olson, bringing writing smarts and arrangement skills in Pop so gngs to impressive heights.