Here’s a record I saw decently priced at the WFMU Record Fair but wasn’t ready to pounce on. I remember reading about a dark folk record with a big Leonard Cohen influence, but couldn’t tie that review to this record. I’m sure I’ll find another copy someday soon.
Terlazzo recorded this album in 1983 while living in York, PA. The Acid Archives describes Honour Among Thieves as, “incredibly dark loner poet folk/rock. Very heavy Leonard Cohen influence, but makes LC seem cheerful by comparison. Even the one song that is upbeat, almost good-timey, has a dark undertone. Terlazzo is accompanied on many tracks by a beautiful haunting female backing vocal which is often wordless. Several tracks have fine electric guitar leads and solos. The poetic nature of his writing rather stark and often “esoteric” lyric images, brought out well by his rather limited baritone voice. I rate this at the top of the loner folkie heap. [MA]”
Another brief review states that the record is, “enjoyable modern-sounding dark folk and singer/songwriter with a vibe similar to Bruce Janaway or Bob Theil. There is indeed a notable Leonard Cohen influence but Terlazzo needn’t be embarrassed, as this is simply the genre he belongs to, and he does it well, with a personal voice and inventive arrangements including spooky female harmonies and sparse folkrock arrangements. I counted three excellent tracks with “Seven Stars Over Sicily” a favorite, several more good ones, and only one dud. Terlazzo would continue to record after this debut and is still active as a performer and poet.”
John Terlazzo
Honour Among Thieves
MediaFire DL Link
Tracklist:
01. Honour Among Thieves
02. He Wears His Black Heart On His Sleeve
03. Lookin’ For Love (A Vision Of Love Lost)
04. The Deserter
05. Yell At The Moon
06. Seven Stars Over Sicily
07. Now That I’m Your Lover
08. The Old Code
09. August Sixth, 8:15 am
