Clement, his guitar in hand, is a provocative wood nymph whose songs of city angst are emitted effortlessly in a measured rush of hungry passion, fully understanding his own deprivations. At the base of his exquisite wailing, lives an unnerving reflection of what it means to lose, buttressed with the genius of his hard-won ability to look reality straight in the eye and call it by its most likely names.

The title song--Be More Like Me-- is satirical, and calls listeners to an awareness of the extreme duality in those who mistakenly think their personal values are unified and integrated: "Fight for the brotherhood of man, kill your X's with the other hand...."

At first, as this line was delivered, I suspected that Clement's album might be full of messages. I was right, but the messages were better sung and more artfully presented----as well as more challenging--than I'd ever expected possible. David Clement is one hell of a sultry male, gentle, assured, unswerving in his intention, who seems to communicate not only his life's undeniable perceptions, awareness couched in the finest unbridled poetry but who sets up to be absorbed a unique type of communication that seduces while it lingers, even as background music. But David Clement cannot remain in the background for long. Try to ignore his voice and you can't.

On this CD is one of the most revealing love songs this reviewer has ever heard. There is also a song that examines masturbation--including the images over which the singer lingers. The themes are intricately woven so expertly through nearly hypnotic melodies, that they find you in any mood and turn you to contemplation.

There are songs too that speak of dying. And of decay. Life is not always pretty in David Clement's world, and a listener may better realize after hearing his songs that perhaps suffering is, in fact, integral to existence. This realization is what separates Clement's stance from the constructive hopefulness of 60's folk. Still, by being introduced to such a world as his, he clarifies our problems for us so that we can either lounge alienated in their bittersweet environs or get moving, like 60's folks did, to create a dimension for ourselves that is more person-centered and friendly.

Some of Clement's images--subtle yet startling, will haunt you for years to come. Lyrics will stick stubbornly in your mind.

This CD album--David Clement--Be More Like Me-- has been released by Wild Monk Records whose motto is, "We Know You're Out There!"

Besides the title song, you'll hear: Objectify Me, Eat It, Broken, Angry Young Fag, The Big O, Perfect Comp. Lament, Live It Up, Foundry, Old Men, From Here.

David Clement speaks to today. Understanding even a portion of what he's saying causes undeniable growth in clarity about what that means. And if what Clement says seems to have no meaning, its no matter because he seduces listeners anyway with a classic show of pure artistry.

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Distributor: Ladyshipper, P.O. Box 3124, Durham, North Carolina 27715 (929) 383-8773 Wild Monk Records, 200 East 10th Street, # 477, NYC, NY 10003