Richard Kaufmann

by Patrick Berkery

Richard Kaufmann
Common Senses
RECORD CELLAR

When the area's current rock cognoscenti were bartering good grades for guitar lessons in the late '80s, Richard Kaufmann was bashing out psychedelic punk with Philly's storied Electric Love Muffin. He then spent much of the '90s fronting local country-rock scholars the Rolling Hayseeds and found a rich and distinct songwriting style. His status as a grand old man of Philly rock affirmed (though the cover photo suggests he still gets carded for smokes), Kaufmann has recorded that charming little ode to '60s AM radio he's probably been itching to make forever. Common Senses is governed by classic pop songwriting (think Jimmy Webb and John Sebastian) and production (Kaufmann co-produced the record with local fixture George Manney) sensibilities, and Kaufmann's delectable wheezy croon. He's a '60s revisionist who deserves to work in his chosen vintage, as he knows how to operate the machinery and pull the strings. "You Never Listen" sports breezy harmonica and a sweeping key transposition that sounds studiously textbook, yet so perfectly effortless. "The All Fools Dance" and the electro-groove of "Shiver" find Kaufmann striking two very different soul poses--one light and retro, one sleek and stylish--both very befitting. A couple of overly precious moments don't dampen a fine, fine solo effort from one of Philly's more under-publicized songwriting talents. B+