How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Great Music
Disadvantages:
None !
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I've had this album since it came out in 2003, but it is one I always go back to. I bought it after I saw him live in Wolverhampton, and although the live concert was fantastic, and studio recordings sometimes a dissapointment after a great gig, this CD is top quality, and I really enjoy listening to it. Some of the lyrics are quite dark; for example one of the tracks is about the holocaust, and so this isn't exactly feel good music!
Tom McRae is a singer songwriter, and I would describe his style as primarily acoustic, with the focus being mainly on the lyrics. Comparable to Radiohead, and maybe Tom Waits, but more chilled than either of them, Nick Drake also comes to mind. This is his debut album, and in my opinion, his finest work.
The look and feel of the album is simple; the insert has a black and white photo of Tom's face, and the tracks are listed in white type on a black background. All the black around gives you a bit of an idea about what is to follow...
The music:
*1 You cut her Hair This song is dark in theme, being about the holocaust, but the music is melodic and thoughtful. It almost sounds as though Tom is pleading with those who perpetrated such aweful crimes, as the words loop round in a stream of recrimination. It is shocking and penetrating. This track sets a slightly disturbing tone on the album, and is a powerful opener, but I would say it is a-typical of what is to follow.
*2 End of the world news (dose me up) This track is lighter, and has a catchy chorus, but again there is a bitter twist with questions of fate and predetermination woven cleverly in. The music is soft, and I find myself singing this song for a while after I have listened to the album.
*3 2nd law This song starts with a Tom singing solo in an almost earie opening. It fills out a bit, but I would say this is a great example of Tom's use of really simple accompanyment to let the vocals stand out. This is a quiet track, and less dark than some of the others. The chorus is almost cheerful!
''Cause I'm living up here where the air is thin And where gravity don't bring you down Yeah I'm living up here and I'm watching your universe cooling down"
*4 Bloodless The music in the track is stronger, with a more agressive vocal style. Gone are the sweeter melodies; this is a bit of a rant. It is good teenage-angst stuff!
*5 Draw down the stairs This is one of my favourite tracks on the album. A thoughful piece, as the title suggests, about drawing the stars down to earth. The tune is beautiful, and the vocals stand out, as Tom's lovely voice ponders the universe.
*6 One more mile There are some fantastic harmonies on this track. It is beautiful, and simple, which is not an easy combination to achieve. There is still a dark underpull in the lyrics: 'one more mile is all we have, until the lost become the found.' but on the whole this is Tom in a cheery mood!
*7 Boy with the bubblegun As the title suggests, this song is about arming children, and the idea that they don't understand what a gun can do. It is serious, and the lyrics are unrelenting. This is set against a beautiful and melodic tune, which creates a stark contrast.
*8 Hidden camera show One of the best things about Tom is the way he challenges me to think in new ways, and this track certainly does that. Looking at the issue of surveilance and video monitoring, this song draws into question some of the ways our society choses to opperate. It is wrapped up in some great music, with interesting orchestration, perhaps a bit more upbeat that some of the other tracks.
*9 A and B song I love the rhythms, and timing in this track, where A and B are played off against each other. The lyrics and the music work brilliantly together, and the percussion is inspired.
*10 Language of fools More pensive than some of the previous tracks, this song is about communication and how we use language. The lyrics are definitly the main event here. It is a solid track, but maybe not in a league of it's own as some of the others are.
*11 Untitled This song has fast, clipped lyrics, that build up into a mesmerising wall of sound. It's not my favourite song, but it does show off how accomplished Tom is, and demonstrate the range and variety of his work.
*12 Sao Paolo rain This song is about drugs, and wondering around a city late at night in the rain. There is some of the anguish seen in 'Bloodless' here again, and this is a more 'angry' song.
*13 Bonus track. Lightening The album ends with a lighter song as a bonus track. Tom's beautiful voice stands out as the main instrument, in this short song, and rounds of the listening experience.
I bought this CD when it first came out for £13, but I believe it is avaliable for about £6 (Amazon) Which I think is an absolute bargin, and given the high quality of the tracks, excellent value for money.
Tom McRae
In music there are entertainers, pioneers and thinkers. Tom McRae is most definitely a
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thinker. His self-titled debut album is a neatly laid out collection of those issues that most concern him: life, people's attitudes and society's flaws, masterfully...
