Octubre 2024, Buenos Aires, Argentina
In the rich landscape of San Francisco's eclectic music scene, few artists have navigated as unique a journey as Chris Peck. Long known as Peck the Town Crier, this enigmatic songwriter has been captivating audiences with his left-field approach since he first emerged with a humble cassette in 1994. Between 2006 and 2012, Peck established a reputation for his offbeat songs and whimsical videos that charmed fans of the unconventional. But as his sound matured, so too did his persona, and by 2019, he made the transition to performing under his given name—a move that signaled a profound shift in his artistry.
Por Tina Sollosky
That shift came to full fruition with the release of his 2019 album, Ancient Baby, which saw Peck drill down into a more earthy and simplified sound, a stark departure from the more eccentric styles of his past. But it’s with his latest release, “Exact Change”, that Peck has truly found his voice. This collection of 12 tracks, recorded live and solo, captures the raw essence of his artistry in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.
“Exact Change”, produced by Peck’s longtime collaborators Miles Wick and Alex-Rather Taylor, was recorded using a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recorder. The method—one that allows no edits or overdubs—adds an authenticity and organic feel to the album. It’s just Peck, his guitar, and his stories. The songs themselves explore themes like friendship, finances, and even the metaphorical weight of the Last Supper. It's a rare gift in today’s highly produced music world to find an album that sounds like a personal conversation between the artist and the listener.
For those who have caught a live solo show by Peck, Exact Change offers exactly what you’ve been waiting for—a chance to take home the purity of his live performance.
As described by William Wayland of Static & Blur, “To me, he’s a musician’s musician because his music feels both simple and disarmingly complex at the same time.“ It’s a sentiment echoed by many, including Nate Seltenrich of East Bay Express, who once likened Peck's style to the musical equivalent of California cuisine. That perfect blend of subtle, yet intricate flavors that is as refreshing as it is unexpected.
Evan Karp of KQED said it best: “Chris Peck is a singular artist.”His evolution as a musician has been nothing short of remarkable, and Exact Change is a testament to that growth. Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal perhaps sums it up best: “I’ve never heard anything quite like it.”
If you’ve followed Peck’s journey over the years, Exact Change is the culmination of everything he’s worked toward—a balance between the playful and the profound, the light-hearted and the deeply introspective. And if you're new to his music, there's no better time to dive in.
For more on Chris Peck, including his music, videos, and show history, head to www.peckthetowncrier.com . Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious new listener, this singular artist's work is sure to leave a lasting impression.