Liam McKahey and the Bodies - Lonely Road

by Anthony Strutt

published: 3 / 3 / 2009

Liam McKahey and the Bodies - Lonely Road

Label: Series 8
Format: CD

Lovely-sounding solo debut album from Cork-born and now Canberra-based Irishman Lim McKahey, the former singer with the bestselling Cousteau

Review

'Lonely Road' is the first solo album from Cork-born Liam McKahey, who is now a resident of Canberra, Australia. I interviewed Liam and his band Cousteau on the day they received their own copies of their originally limited to 3000 copies self-titled debut album, before it was remixed, re-released and went on to sell 220,000 copies. All the band were lovely guys, the real deal. They went on to record another two albums but sadly lost their main songwriter, pianist and acoustic guitarist Davey Ray Moor, in that time, but despite that the product and songs remained what you would expect from this great band. 'Lonely Road' was recorded in London and also features Cousteau's guitarist, Robin Brown. It starts with 'Lonely Road' which is as lush as you would expect from Liam, with his voice having lost none of its golden charm, and is as crisp as a morning's dew. 'Unheeded Tidings' is slow and sad in the vein of Nick Cave or Tindersticks. Liam's vocal is elegant and recalls the great Scott Walker. As this track heats up, it becomes more gritty and adds sad violins to its harsh guitars. 'Inscription' is a classy Walker Brothers-style number. Robin's guitar solo sounds like something like a solo George Harrison might have played in his prime, while Liam's vocal is like that of early 70s Bowie. 'Clyde' is lush and slow, a chill-out number and absolutely charming from start to finish. 'Lovers and Fools' comes on like Lee Hazlewood and is full of trumpet solos while the guitar twang in a cowboy fashion. 'Blackwater Pass' is moody and slow with gentle guitar. To this is is added an ukelele which creates extra sadness. 'Serafina' has a Mexicana feel, while 'Fire' is more of a solid rock number, with Liam completely in control of his silken vocal. 'Listen' is another soft and slow number.It ends with 'John Henry's Eve', which is gentle and elegant, another Scott Walker kind of number and the sort of song for a Sunday morning with the sunshine pouring in to your window and through your heart. 'Lonely Road' is absolutely lovely. It is a joy to have Liam McKahey back.