Every song a musical gem in this well crafted collection!
author: Henry Van Der Linde
A combination of solid song writing and musicianship that you haven't heard now in quite a few years, every song is a small polished gem. His influences, the great Rock/Pop artists of the past are all obviously there in the music but the album remains fresh and uniquely his own work. Do yourself a favour and pick this one up, you'll actually find yourself singing the songs to yourself afterwards which is more than I can say for most of the overproduced modern pop "product" on the shelves...
Read more...
feels like a catch-up with a loveably offbeat cousin
author: Narelle Jackson
If his lyrics (said to be inspired by his own ‘personal traumas’) are taken literally - James Clark’s path has been a rocky one. Bud & Lou tells of the loss of a close friend to an overdose, Screwed on Right is about coming to terms with an anxiety disorder, and Home Again celebrates a return to lock-up.
Clark’s deceptively merry way of relaying these stories feels like a catch-up with a loveably offbeat cousin, who has never quite managed to get it together. Though this album was recorded with a backing band, the focus of Clark’s sound comes back to his voice and lyrics, leaving the overriding impression of only a man and his guitar – as caricatured by Clark himself (also a cartoonist). What Clark lacks in vocal range he makes up for with his sincerity and quirkiness.
Ultimately a storyteller who, finding inspiration in things like insects (Crawl & Creep) and unflattering photos (The Worst Photograph Ever Taken of Me), Clark seems to have found a creative niche to please those who like their singer/songwriters a little off-centre.
Read more...