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Review
It’s very hard to know whether to take Har Mar Superstar seriously or not. The St Paul, Minnesota native performs a sexually charged brand of raunchy, funky RnB and regularly strips down to his underpants while on stage; yet rather than being a heart throb a la Prince or Justin Timberlake, the man christened Sean Tillmann is in fact a short, flabby balding figure once memorably described as a cross between actor Jack Black and porn legend Ron Jeremy.
Despite his somewhat bizarre appearance, Har Mar certainly has a way with a tune that would guarantee him untold riches were he a Britney- or Beyoncé-style pop princess. Dark Touches is his first album in five years after a spell working on acting and scriptwriting projects, and it’s soon clear he’s lost none of his feel-good formula.
The record opens with Sunshine, a belting disco stomp boasting sultry strings and a Jamiroquai-like vocal, while Tall Boy, a club-friendly slice of dirty electro-pop strangely rejected by the aforementioned Ms Spears, retains its original lyrics written from a female perspective in Har Mar’s alpha male hands. Several other tracks on Dark Touches see its creator apparently possessed by the spirit of the mid-80s, with cheesy synthesisers coming to the fore on the early Pet Shop Boys-influenced Almond Joy and on Dope, Man, possibly the first ever musical tribute to New Edition’s Candy Girl.
Throughout, Har Mar yelps, croons and trills with great aplomb, maintaining his reputation as the premier stud on the block by asking women to sign contracts putting him next in line for a date on I Got Next, in which he also tastefully implores an unnamed lady to “let me taste your apple sauce”. Elsewhere, he extols the virtues of his “cute little cuticles”, informs a paramour that “when you sing, my nipples sting” and proclaims that “even gangsters want to cuddle me”. Admittedly this is hardly a level of poetic prowess likely to give Leonard Cohen sleepless nights, but it’s highly entertaining stuff nevertheless.
The nagging question remains – is this guy for real, or a more subtle, polished American version of Goldie Lookin Chain, intent on slyly mocking some of his country’s most popular musical genres? Either way, Dark Touches is a hook-packed, skilfully produced guilty pleasure of a record that it’s almost impossible not to enjoy. --Chris White
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It's been five long years since Har Mar Superstar graced us with his last album, so let's not waste any time getting to the goods:
A Track-by-Track Analysis:
1.) INTRO: An eight-second accapella bit that has something to do with a "duchess," "crutches" and "dark touches." Make no mistake: You're now firmly in Har Mar country.
2.) SUNSHINE: A full-on throwback to R&B disco of the 1970s. The soaring synths are so joyful, you, too, will want to dry your eyes and take Har Mar's hand as "the sun is shining down."
3.) I GOT NEXT: Cribbing the unmistakable drum beat from Bel Biv DeVoe's "Poison," Har Mar and collaborators Boom Bip & Inara George defy you not to dance to this tale of a lothario who has designs on another man's women ... but in the most honorable way. He merely wants the object of his lust to sign a contract that assures him of first dibs should said lady and her current shady lover ever break up. Oh, and he also wants to "taste your applesauce."
4.) TALL BOY: Originally written for Britney Spears, Har Mar has decided to leave the song's decadent lyrics and female perspective alone. As he recently stated in an interview, it's basically about drinking giant beers and having sex with giant dudes. Once in your head, the electric beats, propulsive melodies, and outrageous double-entendres will not leave anytime soon! It's the album's masterpiece! (And be sure to check out the video with Eva Mendes, Alia Shawkat, Eric Wareheim & tons of gorgeous ladies.)
5.) TURN IT AROUND: A Justin-Timberlake-esque number about love on the rocks. Facing the end of a cherished relationship, Har Mar looks within himself to see if he can salvage things.
6.) GAME NIGHT: Har Mar & band have been opening their sets with this rhythm-heavy face-melter. At first, I really didn't know how to take this song, but after repeated listens, it makes total sense. It combines Har Mar's love of games and rap, and features fun guest verses by two of Har Mar's buddies: POS & Adam Green.
7.) GANGSTERS WANT TO CUDDLE ME: The album's second song written with rapper POS ("Game Night's" beats were his as well.) As Har Mar croons about his uncanny ability to win over even the biggest thugs, the martial, lopsided beats and horns give this track a serious retro vibe that would not have been out of place on Har Mar's eponymous Kill Rock Stars debut.
8.) CREATIVE JUICES: The opening sentences pretty much sum up the verbal game play at work throughout this number. "Har Mar Superstar raging on your mix. You can have a go if you think you're Grace Slick Rick James Gang of Four Non Blonde Redhead." One popular culture reference crashes into another, as "The Faint's" Clark Baechle & Jacob Thiele provide the beats and blips. Undeniable fun.
9.) DON'T ASK DON'T TELL: Written with "Cornbread" Compton & Josiah Steinbrick of "Flowers of Doom," this song is layered and amazingly catchy. The instrumentation struts about as Har Mar encourages his lover to be promiscuous -- as long as neither partner ever has to discuss the dirty details. "Oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhh. Uh-oh."
10.) DOPE, MAN: Actress Saimaire Armstrong provides the female vocals in this song about a pot dealer who struggles to keep business & pleasure completely separate. The call & response, he-she vocals tell the tale of a blue-collar peddler being taking advantage of by his sexy, chicken-head customer. The jaunty music could have only been inspired by The Jackson Five.
11.) GIRLS ONLY: Disney's Cheetah Girls passed on this "girl power" anthem written with John Fields -- probably after seeing numerous naked pictures of Har Mar on the internet. As with "Tall Boy, Har Mar decided to keep the song for himself as-is. Awesomely, he sings about cute fingernails, pillow fights, and having the ultimate ladies night. Amazingly, it doesn't even really seem all that strange. The "Power Lunch" maestro clearly has no problem navigating his way around a sexy slumber party.
12.) ALMOND JOY: Har Mar and Producer John Fields crafted this upbeat celebration of the "male counterpart to the camel toe." Sex and candy, indeed!
13.) TURN THE KEY: Marijuana, psilocybin & underage underwear models figure prominently in this club thumper. More decadent party magic from the Flowers of Doom gents. "The dance floors, they burn!"
A Track-by-Track Analysis:
1.) INTRO: An eight-second accapella bit that has something to do with a "duchess," "crutches" and "dark touches." Make no mistake: You're now firmly in Har Mar country.
2.) SUNSHINE: A full-on throwback to R&B disco of the 1970s. The soaring synths are so joyful, you, too, will want to dry your eyes and take Har Mar's hand as "the sun is shining down."
3.) I GOT NEXT: Cribbing the unmistakable drum beat from Bel Biv DeVoe's "Poison," Har Mar and collaborators Boom Bip & Inara George defy you not to dance to this tale of a lothario who has designs on another man's women ... but in the most honorable way. He merely wants the object of his lust to sign a contract that assures him of first dibs should said lady and her current shady lover ever break up. Oh, and he also wants to "taste your applesauce."
4.) TALL BOY: Originally written for Britney Spears, Har Mar has decided to leave the song's decadent lyrics and female perspective alone. As he recently stated in an interview, it's basically about drinking giant beers and having sex with giant dudes. Once in your head, the electric beats, propulsive melodies, and outrageous double-entendres will not leave anytime soon! It's the album's masterpiece! (And be sure to check out the video with Eva Mendes, Alia Shawkat, Eric Wareheim & tons of gorgeous ladies.)
5.) TURN IT AROUND: A Justin-Timberlake-esque number about love on the rocks. Facing the end of a cherished relationship, Har Mar looks within himself to see if he can salvage things.
6.) GAME NIGHT: Har Mar & band have been opening their sets with this rhythm-heavy face-melter. At first, I really didn't know how to take this song, but after repeated listens, it makes total sense. It combines Har Mar's love of games and rap, and features fun guest verses by two of Har Mar's buddies: POS & Adam Green.
7.) GANGSTERS WANT TO CUDDLE ME: The album's second song written with rapper POS ("Game Night's" beats were his as well.) As Har Mar croons about his uncanny ability to win over even the biggest thugs, the martial, lopsided beats and horns give this track a serious retro vibe that would not have been out of place on Har Mar's eponymous Kill Rock Stars debut.
8.) CREATIVE JUICES: The opening sentences pretty much sum up the verbal game play at work throughout this number. "Har Mar Superstar raging on your mix. You can have a go if you think you're Grace Slick Rick James Gang of Four Non Blonde Redhead." One popular culture reference crashes into another, as "The Faint's" Clark Baechle & Jacob Thiele provide the beats and blips. Undeniable fun.
9.) DON'T ASK DON'T TELL: Written with "Cornbread" Compton & Josiah Steinbrick of "Flowers of Doom," this song is layered and amazingly catchy. The instrumentation struts about as Har Mar encourages his lover to be promiscuous -- as long as neither partner ever has to discuss the dirty details. "Oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhh. Uh-oh."
10.) DOPE, MAN: Actress Saimaire Armstrong provides the female vocals in this song about a pot dealer who struggles to keep business & pleasure completely separate. The call & response, he-she vocals tell the tale of a blue-collar peddler being taking advantage of by his sexy, chicken-head customer. The jaunty music could have only been inspired by The Jackson Five.
11.) GIRLS ONLY: Disney's Cheetah Girls passed on this "girl power" anthem written with John Fields -- probably after seeing numerous naked pictures of Har Mar on the internet. As with "Tall Boy, Har Mar decided to keep the song for himself as-is. Awesomely, he sings about cute fingernails, pillow fights, and having the ultimate ladies night. Amazingly, it doesn't even really seem all that strange. The "Power Lunch" maestro clearly has no problem navigating his way around a sexy slumber party.
12.) ALMOND JOY: Har Mar and Producer John Fields crafted this upbeat celebration of the "male counterpart to the camel toe." Sex and candy, indeed!
13.) TURN THE KEY: Marijuana, psilocybin & underage underwear models figure prominently in this club thumper. More decadent party magic from the Flowers of Doom gents. "The dance floors, they burn!"
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3 reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
"Dark Touches" is a Strong Return
8 Nov 2009
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
It's been five long years since Har Mar Superstar graced us with his last album, so let's not waste any time getting to the goods:
A Track-by-Track Analysis:
1.) INTRO: An eight-second accapella bit that has something to do with a "duchess," "crutches" and "dark touches." Make no mistake: You're now firmly in Har Mar country.
2.) SUNSHINE: A full-on throwback to R&B disco of the 1970s. The soaring synths are so joyful, you, too, will want to dry your eyes and take Har Mar's hand as "the sun is shining down."
3.) I GOT NEXT: Cribbing the unmistakable drum beat from Bel Biv DeVoe's "Poison," Har Mar and collaborators Boom Bip & Inara George defy you not to dance to this tale of a lothario who has designs on another man's women ... but in the most honorable way. He merely wants the object of his lust to sign a contract that assures him of first dibs should said lady and her current shady lover ever break up. Oh, and he also wants to "taste your applesauce."
4.) TALL BOY: Originally written for Britney Spears, Har Mar has decided to leave the song's decadent lyrics and female perspective alone. As he recently stated in an interview, it's basically about drinking giant beers and having sex with giant dudes. Once in your head, the electric beats, propulsive melodies, and outrageous double-entendres will not leave anytime soon! It's the album's masterpiece! (And be sure to check out the video with Eva Mendes, Alia Shawkat, Eric Wareheim & tons of gorgeous ladies.)
5.) TURN IT AROUND: A Justin-Timberlake-esque number about love on the rocks. Facing the end of a cherished relationship, Har Mar looks within himself to see if he can salvage things.
6.) GAME NIGHT: Har Mar & band have been opening their sets with this rhythm-heavy face-melter. At first, I really didn't know how to take this song, but after repeated listens, it makes total sense. It combines Har Mar's love of games and rap, and features fun guest verses by two of Har Mar's buddies: POS & Adam Green.
7.) GANGSTERS WANT TO CUDDLE ME: The album's second song written with rapper POS ("Game Night's" beats were his as well.) As Har Mar croons about his uncanny ability to win over even the biggest thugs, the martial, lopsided beats and horns give this track a serious retro vibe that would not have been out of place on Har Mar's eponymous Kill Rock Stars debut.
8.) CREATIVE JUICES: The opening sentences pretty much sum up the verbal game play at work throughout this number. "Har Mar Superstar raging on your mix. You can have a go if you think you're Grace Slick Rick James Gang of Four Non Blonde Redhead." One popular culture reference crashes into another, as "The Faint's" Clark Baechle & Jacob Thiele provide the beats and blips. Undeniable fun.
9.) DON'T ASK DON'T TELL: Written with "Cornbread" Compton & Josiah Steinbrick of "Flowers of Doom," this song is layered and amazingly catchy. The instrumentation struts about as Har Mar encourages his lover to be promiscuous -- as long as neither partner ever has to discuss the dirty details. "Oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhh. Uh-oh."
10.) DOPE, MAN: Actress Saimaire Armstrong provides the female vocals in this song about a pot dealer who struggles to keep business & pleasure completely separate. The call & response, he-she vocals tell the tale of a blue-collar peddler being taking advantage of by his sexy, chicken-head customer. The jaunty music could have only been inspired by The Jackson Five.
11.) GIRLS ONLY: Disney's Cheetah Girls passed on this "girl power" anthem written with John Fields -- probably after seeing numerous naked pictures of Har Mar on the internet. As with "Tall Boy, Har Mar decided to keep the song for himself as-is. Awesomely, he sings about cute fingernails, pillow fights, and having the ultimate ladies night. Amazingly, it doesn't even really seem all that strange. The "Power Lunch" maestro clearly has no problem navigating his way around a sexy slumber party.
12.) ALMOND JOY: Har Mar and Producer John Fields crafted this upbeat celebration of the "male counterpart to the camel toe." Sex and candy, indeed!
13.) TURN THE KEY: Marijuana, psilocybin & underage underwear models figure prominently in this club thumper. More decadent party magic from the Flowers of Doom gents. "The dance floors, they burn!"
A Track-by-Track Analysis:
1.) INTRO: An eight-second accapella bit that has something to do with a "duchess," "crutches" and "dark touches." Make no mistake: You're now firmly in Har Mar country.
2.) SUNSHINE: A full-on throwback to R&B disco of the 1970s. The soaring synths are so joyful, you, too, will want to dry your eyes and take Har Mar's hand as "the sun is shining down."
3.) I GOT NEXT: Cribbing the unmistakable drum beat from Bel Biv DeVoe's "Poison," Har Mar and collaborators Boom Bip & Inara George defy you not to dance to this tale of a lothario who has designs on another man's women ... but in the most honorable way. He merely wants the object of his lust to sign a contract that assures him of first dibs should said lady and her current shady lover ever break up. Oh, and he also wants to "taste your applesauce."
4.) TALL BOY: Originally written for Britney Spears, Har Mar has decided to leave the song's decadent lyrics and female perspective alone. As he recently stated in an interview, it's basically about drinking giant beers and having sex with giant dudes. Once in your head, the electric beats, propulsive melodies, and outrageous double-entendres will not leave anytime soon! It's the album's masterpiece! (And be sure to check out the video with Eva Mendes, Alia Shawkat, Eric Wareheim & tons of gorgeous ladies.)
5.) TURN IT AROUND: A Justin-Timberlake-esque number about love on the rocks. Facing the end of a cherished relationship, Har Mar looks within himself to see if he can salvage things.
6.) GAME NIGHT: Har Mar & band have been opening their sets with this rhythm-heavy face-melter. At first, I really didn't know how to take this song, but after repeated listens, it makes total sense. It combines Har Mar's love of games and rap, and features fun guest verses by two of Har Mar's buddies: POS & Adam Green.
7.) GANGSTERS WANT TO CUDDLE ME: The album's second song written with rapper POS ("Game Night's" beats were his as well.) As Har Mar croons about his uncanny ability to win over even the biggest thugs, the martial, lopsided beats and horns give this track a serious retro vibe that would not have been out of place on Har Mar's eponymous Kill Rock Stars debut.
8.) CREATIVE JUICES: The opening sentences pretty much sum up the verbal game play at work throughout this number. "Har Mar Superstar raging on your mix. You can have a go if you think you're Grace Slick Rick James Gang of Four Non Blonde Redhead." One popular culture reference crashes into another, as "The Faint's" Clark Baechle & Jacob Thiele provide the beats and blips. Undeniable fun.
9.) DON'T ASK DON'T TELL: Written with "Cornbread" Compton & Josiah Steinbrick of "Flowers of Doom," this song is layered and amazingly catchy. The instrumentation struts about as Har Mar encourages his lover to be promiscuous -- as long as neither partner ever has to discuss the dirty details. "Oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhh. Uh-oh."
10.) DOPE, MAN: Actress Saimaire Armstrong provides the female vocals in this song about a pot dealer who struggles to keep business & pleasure completely separate. The call & response, he-she vocals tell the tale of a blue-collar peddler being taking advantage of by his sexy, chicken-head customer. The jaunty music could have only been inspired by The Jackson Five.
11.) GIRLS ONLY: Disney's Cheetah Girls passed on this "girl power" anthem written with John Fields -- probably after seeing numerous naked pictures of Har Mar on the internet. As with "Tall Boy, Har Mar decided to keep the song for himself as-is. Awesomely, he sings about cute fingernails, pillow fights, and having the ultimate ladies night. Amazingly, it doesn't even really seem all that strange. The "Power Lunch" maestro clearly has no problem navigating his way around a sexy slumber party.
12.) ALMOND JOY: Har Mar and Producer John Fields crafted this upbeat celebration of the "male counterpart to the camel toe." Sex and candy, indeed!
13.) TURN THE KEY: Marijuana, psilocybin & underage underwear models figure prominently in this club thumper. More decadent party magic from the Flowers of Doom gents. "The dance floors, they burn!"
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Clubtastic!
23 Oct 2009
Format:Audio CD
Sean Tillman is the man! I saw HarMar and his band last week at Emo's in Austin promoting this newest album. He is a super nice dude. He came out in a flamboyant boxer's robe and stripped an article of clothing off every two to three songs until he was down to his whitey-tighties. Anybody on the front row, guy or girl, would get clutched from the back of the head and face-planted directly into HarMar's' crotch. Great stuff. I couldn't believe how long the mullet is now...and the guy's like 5' even, i swear....Get this album and laugh.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Good, but his last CD is better
11 Dec 2009
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I think his last CD is better, but 'Sunshine' and 'Turn it Around' are gems:)
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