JD Meatyard - JD Meatyard
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 1 / 12 / 2011
Label:
Probe Plus
Format: CD
intro
First-rate set of protest songs on eponymous solo album from Liverpool-born and now Netherlands-based songwriter and former Levellers and Calvin Party member, JD Meatyard
An exile in Rotterdam now, former Levellers and Calvin Party head John Donaldson goes unplugged, well almost, and becomes a protest singer, a singer-songwriter if you like. Stripping one or two songs from Calvin Party's albums down to the core message and with the lyrics left in, JD soon starts to become unsettling. Crude, honest and direct, the CD deals with love and tenderness as well as with political issues, all in a similar vein. The basic orchestration of these songs, which are of varied content, makes for a consistent set. Borrowing from Hank Williams the line "I am so lonesome I could cry", JD goes full cycle, expressing both a loss of love and his losing faith in the political system. I was reminded of the Pogues towards their greatest heights. The odd turn that JD took, moving to Holland and going Americana, ultimately makes sense. Beneath the surface, guitar play like that of Leo Kottke builds the right atmosphere for reflection on 'Some Small Tragedy'. Followed immediately by 'Saint Peter At The Gate', private and public touches meet neatly together in tranquil juxtaposition. In terms of music, the mood throughout remains quiet and calm, yet JD Meatyard's use and abuse of the snares is at times breathtaking. Check the latter stage of 'Marianne' for proof of this. This eponymous album, had the working title of 'Make My Life Better'. This has very much serves as a guideline. It should tickle the fancy of Bob Dylan fans.
Track Listing:-
1 Take It All Back2 No Place Like Home
3 Mysapce Star
4 Sorry Song
5 Make My Life Better
6 Sad Song Of A Singer Songwriter
7 Anna.K
8 I'm So Lonesome...
9 Bob's Song
10 It's Alright Ma I'm Only Bleeding
11 Last Word
12 Some Small Tragedy
13 St Peter At The Gate
14 Tell Me That I'm Wrong
15 Marianne
16 Olive Tree
Band Links:-
http://www.songkick.com/artists/6711469-jdmeatyardhttps://www.facebook.com/jdmeatyard
Label Links:-
http://www.probeplus-store.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/Probe-Plus-Records-282266208481556
http://www.probe-plus.co.uk/
Visitor Comments:- |
| 510 Posted By: Pat. D, blackburn england on 03 Dec 2011 |
|
I have followed Donaldsons career from back in the lev's 5 days.
He's not always been easy listening at all, with some great songs mixed with a few that are more than jarring to the ear and questionable production.
But he's always been a protest singer! His Calvin Party album - Lies Lies and Government - nuff said!
This latest album is a surprise and a real cracker. A bit of Wainwright (the original one), a bit of Elliot Smith with a touch of Mark E Smith - perfect!
Real heartfelt songs and a political edge that is absolutely right for these times.
I only hope that this album gets the airing that it deserves.
'No Place Like Home', 'Myspace Star, 'Take it All Back' and 'Olive Tree' are fine songs.
Anyone that was consistently backed by the great Peelie is ok in my book.
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