--
Login
|
Logout
| User:
Not Signed In
| Email | Cart | Items
Home |
Magazine
| Photography |
Discussion
| Buy | Sell |
My Account
| About
www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk
Band:
Tom McRae
Label:
Cooking Vinyl
Title:
The Alphabet of Hurricanes
Tweet
Review (1)
Release Details
Add Release
Releases (1)
Articles (0)
Cover Art (0)
Versions (0)
Edit Release
Releases List (1)
Reviews (1)
Pictures (0)
Summary (0)
Related (0)
Jukebox (0)
List All (1)
Band:
Tom McRae
Title:
The Alphabet of Hurricanes
Reviewed By:
Maarten Schiethart
Date Published:
26/03/2010
Label:
Cooking Vinyl
Format:
CD
Release Year:
Label
Lookup:
Laurelled singer-songwriter Tom McRae comes to terms on 'The Alphabet of Hurricanes' with the loss of a sense of belonging as he touring the world and recorded in London, Sheffield and Los Angeles whilst changing recording labels. His fragile voice is reminiscent of Nick Drake and Alex Chilton and that similar touch of despair characterizes 'Summer of John Wayne'. His vocals are sometimes recorded as if coming from the background, giving room to his exquisite backing band. 'American Spirit' leans heavily on desolation, like on Big Star's third album but Tom McRae seems much less tormented by alcohol and the subtle brass - played by Brad Gordon - works as blues music does, adding uplifting play to rather sad words.
'Please' is the obvious choice for a release as a single record. It is yo the point, with a good melody line and the appeal of a catchy chorus. Side 2 of the album continues with again what begins like a cover of Chilton's 'Holocaust' with his falsetto, and yet once more there's a smart change of style, as Ben Christophers builds a fine arrangement that leads away from the apparent misery. The latter tracks are consistent with McRae's solo performance and do not need the production skills that saved a few earlier tracks. 'The Alphabet of Hurricane' rides moody and hopeful through our turbulent times and nearly brings salvation. A fine album, yet not one I would put in my desert island bag.
Track Listing:
Commenting On: The Alphabet of Hurricanes by Tom McRae
Header
Comment:
Your Name
Your Location
ie London, England
tick box before submitting comment
First
Previous
Next
Last
Related Bands
(edit)
Related Labels
Cooking Vinyl
Review Header
Mournful fifth album from English-based singer-songwriter Tom McRae, whose fragile voice is reminiscent of Nick Drake and Alex Chilton
Articles A-Z
View All
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
The Alphabet of Hurricanes - CD
Mournful fifth album from English-based singer-songwriter Tom McRae, whose fragile voice is reminiscent of Nick Drake and Alex Chilton
First
Previous
Next
Reviews A-Z
View All
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Top Articles (Current Magazine)
Dave Greenfield 1949-2020
Vapors Interview
Volunteered Interview
Darren Hayman Interview
Little Man Tate Interview
Paul J Bolger Interview
Hollies The Band, the Brand, the Business
Great British Venue and Beyond 4
Bruce Foxton Interview
Vinny Peculiar The Image That Made Me Weep
Top Reviews (Current Magazine)
SAVAK Rotting Teeth in the Horse’s Mouth CD (Ernest Jenning Record Co)
Micah Erenberg Art Week: Live From The Secret Beach Download (Sleepless)
Andrew Hawkey Long Story Short CD (Mole Lodge Records)
Ariel Sharratt and Mathias Kom Never Work CD (BB Island)
Anna Burch If You're Dreaming CD (Heavenly Recordings)
Stein Urheim Downhill Uplift CD (Hubro Music)
Sergeant Buzfuz Fox Pop CD (Blang Records)
Half Waif The Caretaker CD (Anti)
Aruba Red Shadow Work Download (Traveling Child)
Slow Readers Club Joy of the Return CD (Modern Sky)
Mournful fifth album from English-based singer-songwriter Tom McRae, whose fragile voice is reminiscent of Nick Drake and Alex Chilton