Hi-Stone Social – Blue Valentine (Single Review)

Today’s review features the return of Hi-Stone Social and their new single, Blue Valentine.

Band leader and songwriter Don Kushon says, “Blue Valentine is about the emotional state of mind in the immediate aftermath of a relationship breakup.” Hi-Stone Social is the studio music project of Don Kushon, who writes the songs. The band is part of the new retro rock revolution.

The project features Kushon on lead vocals, guitar, harmonica and ukulele, Paul Shannon on lead guitar and backing vocals, Frank Innamorato on drums and JT on bass. On this single Randy Girer is on backing vocals. The album was co-produced by Mark J Montoro and Kushon. It was recorded and engineered by Montoro at Philly JAM Recording in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and mastered by Pete Humphreys at Masterwork. Artwork was designed by Pat King.

So let’s have a listen …

The song starts with a guitar chord riff walking down the scale, with bass and drums. The first verse is actually the chorus: “You are my blue, you are my blue valentine.” The second verse has the same walkdown riff as the intro, this time with lyrics. Following the second chorus, there is a guitar solo. Sombre, yet tastefully follows the chord progression. Third verse over the walkdown riff. Back into the chorus, and a guitar solo over the chorus riff. Finally, we get to a bridge. Simple. Back to the chorus riff. Fourth verse over the walkdown riff. A double verse. Ridin out the walkdown riff with the chorus lyrics through to the ending.

The only issue I have with this song is that, other than the short bridge, it just oscillates between the walkdown riff and chorus riff and repetitive chorus lyrics. It gets very repetitive. The feel of the song is very nice. Sort of a soft blues in the way it is performed and produced. But I want to hear it go somewhere, and the bridge currently in the song is just not long enough. The performances and production on the track are top-notch.

Score/Good to Excellent: Hi-Stone Social’s new single “Blue Valentine” hits you right between the eyes of a blues lover. Very nice, relaxing mood created by a compelling, hypnotic downward guitar riff. I was wanting a longer, more interesting bridge, but perhaps that will come in due time. Very nice performances and production. Much love, Beth

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