This CD by R. Denzien has plenty of solid musical moments.
He calls himself the "denizen" of a higher level of rock n' roll.
The music here may in places remind of MATCHBOX 20 or TOAD THE
WET SPROCKET or even HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH.
     
Denzien's album gives his philosophy of life and his
thinking. Phil Mills (OINGO BOINGO) recorded player ROB
VERMULLEN'S guitar tracks in the Netherlands--wasn't that a place
in a C.S. Lewis novel[?], oh that was the Shadowlands. The CD's
musical aura and contemplative lyrics do make one philosophize
and think, and that is GREAT! While I may not agree with all of
Denzien's philosophy, at least he presents food for thought.

Opening with "Desperation" he sings:

the cry - of desperation - the cry - of contemplation

what kind of fool am i thinking there's music on M-TV?
what kind of fool am i thinking there's music on M-TV?
at least we live in a place with no public executions
unless you move or koresh your way to oblivion yeah
(c) MCMXCVIII to date, Rick Denzien / Slot 1 Entertainment, Inc.,all rights reserved.

Denzien's wisdom is obvious as there has been very little
real music on M-TV (Maggot-tv). There's been lots of sexism,
hate, violence, maggots, racists, censorship of jazz/Belinda
Carlisle/Christian music/country & western/soul music/etc.,
promotion of every vice, a platform for hillbilly politicians,
loud ugly "music" etc., ad nauseum. 

On this CD, the singer/author/songwriter/poet reminds me of
Canada's great musical and poetic genius BRUCE COCKBURN.
Denzien's iconoclastic approach in places may offend some, like
where he writes "the path to the sky was empty & Mary was smoking
down the hall." This is clearly a reference to the mother of
Jesus, the blessed virgin as it even states on my printout of his
web page that lyrics 'evoke a controversial image of the blessed
virgin smoking a cigarette outside a parochial classroom on a
stairwell to nowhere."
     
The music varies from rocky in places to acoustic sounds
reminiscent of maybe a JT (James Taylor) or other similar
musician. This well traveled artist (Denzien) covers an
interesting range of rock/pop with often nicely textured layers
of instrumentation. Vocally, he is surprising sound. On track #6
the mood is one of loss, of emptiness. "Busses" sounds like a
biographical tune. Song eight is great pop rock with maybe some
European senses. 
     
"Something" is a solid statement of belief in that unseen
Reality behind all realities. A very good musical effort. A
thoughtful evocative work, one of best on the CD. "Melody" is a
clever yet nice number that shows his talent for writing and
singing a complicated musical creation; mellow with a solid
beat and his voice blends well with music. 
     
Song #11 highlights his acoustic with feedback effect. "It
Never Ends" is a pretty contemplative cut, a nice work from this
singer/songwriter. One of the best on the album, and a personal
favorite of mine. The CD closes with "Lisa" which is a strong
product. The thirteen tunes make for a very successful effort.
The album was better than I imagined. It became more impressive
the more I listened to it. The product is an eclectic mix of
electronic and acoustic, a variety of original songs from this
world traveller. Intelligent, thoughtful lyrics with solid music
by Denzien make 'EXIT 21' an album worth checking out. -  Armando Canales