Richard Ashcroft - Why Not Nothing/Sweet Brother Malcolm

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 3 / 12 / 2006

---

Review

This double A-sided single from former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft has been released simply to remind fans that he has had his most successful year to date. As well as playing a sell-out headline tour, he also released his bestselling solo album to date, 'Keys to the World'. That album came out back in January and both of these songs featured on it, so, other than this time coming out just on vinyl rather than CD, this single is rather a pointless release. 'Why Not Nothing ?' is the louder of the two tracks, full of 70's sax and brass. His vocal is fast and furious, as if he still has something to say and prove. If you like that sort of retro Britpop thing, then this song could be something of an anthem for you. The other side, 'Sweet Brother Malcolm', has a contrary sound, starting off in a folk manner, and with a vocal from Richard that sounds strained in its delivery. It then becomes more cinematic and moody like the Tindersticks, before by the end sounding totally heartwarming, a reminder to us that Christmas time is on its way.

Track Listing:-

1 Why Not Nothing?
2 Sweet Brother Malcolm

Label Links:-

http://www.parlophone.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/parlophone
https://twitter.com/parlophone
http://parlophonerecords.tumblr.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/Parlophon
https://instagram.com/parlophone/