METRO NC (Raleigh) (Feb-March 2002) – PVV "Music For Sale"

Doug Hoekstra/ The Past Is Never Past (Inbetweens)

Multi-talented singer/songwriter/arranger Doug Hoekstra only just released his superb album Around the Margins, but he's back again with a follow-up CD. The Past Is Never Past collects tunes that weren't a stylistic fit for Margins, as well as demo tracks and songs released in various odd ways and places. Albums hammered together from an artist's extra material are often turkeys. Hoekstra's quality control, however, is first-rate, and there's nothing fowl about this collection. Indeed, his extra stuff is the equivalent of what most songwriters would deem their choice tunes. Hoekstra's distinctive, dusky voice and his supreme talent for penning evocative imagery distinguish this album. Favorite tracks include "What's On Your Mind?" "Oh, Zamira," "Break My Fall," "The World's Most Beautiful Woman," and a fabulous cover of the Brecht/Weill song "Ballad of the Soldier's Wife." The Past Is Never Past is available on the Internet; check: www.doughoekstra.com

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