Joseph Arthur is the first American artist signed to Peter Gabriel’s label, Realworld Records. His debut release, "Come to where I’m from" paints a picture of an eccentric staring pensively into his soul for answers to life. The plethora of artwork accompanying the disk parallels this "mood indigo" feeling.

Track one begins the journey through the minds’ eye of Joseph Arthur. The clever and poignant lyrics pose riddles to the listener. "If I find my way, how much will I find?" he sings. His folksy voice continues to drive track two’s "Ashes everywhere". The Bob Dylan style harmonica authenticates the sound.

The next track could be mistaken for a U2 creation with Arthur himself resounding a bit like Bono. Fronting this still moody but more upbeat tune, Arthur shows a great strength. Track four sustains this pattern with a tune called "History". Arthur rises to the many changes and makes this song come alive with his distinct vocal capacities.

Throughout the disk, the fresh perspectives and provocative lyrics are inviting. Repetitious refrains are cleverly devoid, for the most part. With this, each track is given an anonymity that allows it to be remembered equivocally thus allowing you to discover the various attributes differently with each listening.

– L.J.

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