For the many of you that are absent in knowing of Michael Knott, here is a brief history. He was the lead of the critically acclaimed Aunt Betty's and Lifesavers Underground, the heart of Cush, and not to mention a heralded solo act; but let's mention that for a minute. Life Of David, Knott's first solo record in years, is inspired by the Biblical King but seems to oddly turn more towards the life of himself than King David.

"Cast Me Away" begins introspectively with one amazing acoustic track praising his wife but battling his devilish persona as "Shoegazer" adds a catchy British tune evocative of his Cush that speaks of how we're only fit to gaze at the feet of Jesus, if even that. "Into Your Heaven" brings a first glimpse of hope where "Sorry" is of ear-friendly Third Eye Blind charm that apologizes for all the greed shown. "Deception" adds soul seemingly reminiscing of a prison experience while "The Bitterness" begins with "Sometimes I wanna die" but goes into "How would I know the living, if I didn't know the dying. How could I taste the honey, if there was no pain in trying? The stinging and the crying, the truth and the lying, the sometimes honest, make me love the bitterness." "Halo" states of that significant lover "H*ll no. I don't mind if your halo don't glow like it used to glow." Once again, Michael Knott has done it again. He is the true chameleon of Spiritual rock; so the next time you hear something inventive as well as invasive to the ear, look around, you might just be hearing a new Mike Knott record. Fans of Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Neil Young and more will be horribly disappointed when they here this album, because they will come to grips with, as many people have, why he has not gained the earned respect he truly deserves with the likes of these gents. Pick up Life of David now, where else will you find an amazing album and two biographies in one?

- Review date: 6/18/02, written by Blake Garris