21 Good Reasons - Paul Carrack

Advantages: All the best Mike and the Mechanics tracks
Disadvantages: None

...a momentum or continuity to develop beyond a certain level. The gaps were sufficiently long however to mean that the band had to effectively relaunch itself every three years and to do so needed a good product to achieve it. This hits album confirms they achieved continued success with the strength of the songs. Mike and The Mechanics were an ensemble band who used well known band members to combine on this infrequent basis. Rutherford was undeniably the founder and leader but in Paul Carrack he found the perfect voice for his lyrics. Carrack has a strong voice but not too overpowering for the sound Rutherford wished to create. The band also used Paul Young as a vocalist. The bands sound was usually very polished. In many ways they are similar to what you would to hear from Don Henley or The Eagles. There is a distinct American feel... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent - Well Crafted
Disadvantages: Too Sentimental In Places

...This is the fifth album form Mike Rutherfords so called side project. Like earlier albums and songs such as the living years this album manages to pull at the heart strings while sending off a laid back vibe. With “Ordinary Girl” the band affirm once again that they are regular guys just like the restof us. “Open Up” is a sentimental number which is succeeded by the anthem song “When I Get Over You”. The album is rounded off by musings on the common man’s place in the great scheme of things on the haunting track “Dreamland”. The songs all fit together seamlessly on the album and are well crafted. Arrangements are kept to a minimum acoustics mainly being used. This allowed both Paul Carrack and Paul Young on vocals to display their sheer excellence in delivery.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Amazing pop songs
Disadvantages: Maybe a bit bland

...During 1980 Squeeze saw the departure of pianist Jools Holland, who went sole and also forged a television career, firstly by fronting TV’s exciting rock showcase, The Tube. meanwhile, Squeeze hit more turmoil when they forsook Miles Copeland’s management in favour of Jake Riviera, who subsequently released them. The association did, however, lead to the recruitment of Ace keyboardist Paul Carrack, who had written that group’s only hit single, How Long? Under the production team of Elvis Costello and Roger Bechirian, they went into the studio to record East Side Story in late 1981, an album that was to proce the ultimate example of their supreme pop craftsmanship. From the standard Squeeze pop fare of In Quintessence and Is That Love, to the rockabilly of Messed Around, East Side Story used a wider than ever range of musical settings... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful