Citizen Cope

When it comes to straddling genres, few artists have the crossover breadth of Citizen Cope (a.k.a. Clarence Greenwood). He's listed with granola-heavy Web site Jambase.com, and he certainly has the lazy acoustic-guitar appeal of Ben Harper or Jack Johnson. But his lyrics also have a gritty, street-worn sensibility reminiscent of...

By Kurt Brighton

May 31, 2007

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When it comes to straddling genres, few artists have the crossover breadth of Citizen Cope (a.k.a. Clarence Greenwood). He's listed with granola-heavy Web site Jambase.com, and he certainly has the lazy acoustic-guitar appeal of Ben Harper or Jack Johnson. But his lyrics also have a gritty, street-worn sensibility reminiscent of Everlast, and one of his songs was picked up by Pontiac, aligning him with a certain type of adult-alternative/minivan-driving-yet-free-spirited listener. Despite sellout performances and appearances on Late Night With Conan O'Brien and Last Call With Carson Daly, Cope hasn't made much of a blip on national radio. And perhaps his lack of easy definition is reflected in his having jumped ship from three major labels over the years, citing creative and management differences. But with 2006's Every Waking Moment, his second record at RCA, he seems to have found a home.

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