Nominated by: K Simms
Music club: Wander to Wozza's
Playlist addition: Song For Sue
While visiting Gisborne last year, I bought a vinyl copy of Don's latest album from Spellbound Wax Company. Since then, I've listened to the record a lot, and even managed to score a few of his earlier solo albums.
Like the Arsenal, he's riding the crest of an artistic wave at the moment with a strong set of songs and performances throughout Bright November Morning.
Its songs have some lovely variety: there are the contemplative ones (Sunscreen) mixed in with his usual observational songs. There's even a dose of righteous anger along the way (John Bryce).
One of his strongest features is his very distinctive voice - whether it be in the young Blam Blam Blam days or as leader of The Mutton Birds and now as a solo performer. Somehow, he's managed to look after his voice well through the years.
I don't think there's a bad song on this set, but there are a coupler of weaker ones that mean it's not quite a 5 star effort. Shackleton is a tad dreary and All The Goodbyes In The World is average (a lot of repetition!)
High points for me are John Bryce and Song For Sue. Both contain great emotional energy. I especially rate Song For Sue. Initially the 'heads/meds' rhyme was a bit jarring, but it's now inducing a wry smile. It's a song that gets better and better with every listen, reminds me a bit of Prince's Sometimes It Snows In April.
The last song, Start Again, is well placed (the sequencing on the whole is another of the album's strengths) as it sums up his state of mind well. I also like the way it suggests a return to the beginning (and opportunity to start again from track one) with its pace and nautical themes.
All up - a mighty album!
