John Wolfington - John Wolfington

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Smells Like
Format: CD

As I opened the pack and looked at the sleeve before listening to the music, I decided that I already liked this album. The harbour scene which was photographed near Manhattan pictures a very serene s

Review

As I opened the pack and looked at the sleeve before listening to the music, I decided that I already liked this album. The harbour scene which was photographed near Manhattan pictures a very serene surrounding,and features just three of the items from the world's most famous skyline. The whole point of the picture becomes clear after you've heard the album and have listened to its tranquil, yet urban, folksongs. Funnily enough, the back page of the inlay shows John Wolfington championing a Robert Smith haircut while the lay-out is a carbon copy of Sonic Youth's aggressive 'E.V.O.L.". This album features much of of the insecurity that you will find on many debuts, but quite a few of his modest songs will stay with you like good memories. Only a few of Wolfington's home recordings have remained unchanged , but all sound pretty compelling. The main part ihas been slightly polished up with the help of Steve Shelley and Tim Foljahn and features overdubs, but despite this its feel is live and direct. Wolfington's debut is an impressive set of songs that works best in one listen. 'Great Divide' and 'Race The Sun' in particular sound fabulous. There's no LP release in the can, so you'll have to look at the sleeve through a lens.