Polly Barrett - Mr. Bookshop

by Malcolm Carter

published: 12 / 9 / 2012

Label: Polly Barrett
Format: CD

Captivating folk pop on debut album from Cork-based singer-songwriter, Polly Barrett

Review

Released last year in her native country, Ireland, a short UK tour this month finally sees the debut from Cork-based singer/songwriter Polly Barrett available in the UK as well. Barrett is forever being compared to Mary Black and Kate Rusby and those comparisons are not far off the mark, but can anyone really listen to any of the eleven original songs on ‘Mr. Bookshop’ and not be reminded of those late 70s to mid eighties albums by Nanci Griffith? It is no bad thing. There are those who find Griffith’s vocals a little too elfin-like, and while the childlike wonder Griffith displayed vocally in those early albums is attractive to many there are those who found it annoying over the length of a whole album. While the resemblance vocally to Griffith is uncanny Barrett’s vocals never irritate. In fact they have the opposite effect. Crystal clear and believable it is hard not to be captivated by Barrett’s vocals and because of the sparse production and instrumentation of the songs on ‘Mr. Bookshop’ they are given plenty of space to shine over the course of this excellent album. With just Barrett’s acoustic guitar, Michael Daly’s banjo (which plays a major part in many of the songs) and Josh Sampson on drums the spotlight is very much given over to Barrett’s vocals; there is no lush production, Tomas Mulcahy has kept things nice, clean and uncluttered again highlighting just how clear and pure Barrett’s vocals are. As for the songs again comparisons to Griffin are appropriate; little stories set to the prettiest of melodies that are unforgettable. ‘Almost Friend’ is one of the highlights here. Listing all the things that will never happen after a fleeting meeting, it is set to an attractive melody as Barrett gently sings of all the things she maybe hoped for and now understands won’t materialise. With backing vocals from Daly and his banjo providing extra poignancy, it is going to touch more than a few hearts. Barrett’s vocals are particularly affecting on this track. The title track is another song where both banjo and those pure vocals instantly capture your attention, and make you a bystander as the tale unfolds in that little bookshop. It is the honesty displayed in her vocals that makes it impossible for your mind to wander while listening to songs such as these. When you’re listening to Polly Barrett nothing else seems to matter. You’re caught up in her world for the duration of the album. By keeping things simple and with no unnecessary production tricks Barrett’s folky pop is going to appeal to a wide audience. ‘February’ is another song that instantly hits the spot. The Dar Williams song of the same name is the definitive piece when writing about that particular month. Never has a song captured the feel of those 28 days so perfectly, but Barrett’s original song adds warmth through her clear vocals which leaves the listener with a positive feeling that Williams never aimed for but which is just as affecting. Barrett really does deserve to be heard. Words on paper or a screen will never convey just how outstanding her vocals are or how she can take you on little journeys through her songs. While Barrett is obviously a songwriter of some worth it’s those vocals that will keep drawing you back to this album time and time again. They really are superb. Eleven songs, fifty minutes, captivating melodies and a voice that you can’t help but love more each time you hear it; this is one remarkable debut and is surely the start of a long and successful career