Neil McSweeney - A Coat Worth Wearing

by Keith How

published: 3 / 4 / 2017

Label: Hudson Records
Format: CD

Impressive and compelling third album from versatile Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Neil McSweeney

Review

Neil McSweeney is a name familiar with most gig going South Yorkshire folk. He has been ploughing the fields for some years now, his reputation growing gig by gig. His 2013 album 'Cargo' was something of a well kept secret and his name is now mentioned in the same breath as folksters Jon Boden and Fay Hield not to mention the legendary Richard Hawley. 'A Coat Worth Wearing', however, is a massive step up. Nine beautifully crafted compositions grace this latest release. Kicking off with 'Old Glory Blues' it is evident that something special is going down. A banjo sets the scene for a dark blues groove with ominous drums and pedal steel guitar as McSweeney pleads 'All Things in Moderation'. 'Forlorn Hope' continues the heavy sense of danger, thunderous drums and a rasping guitar. Folkster? I don’t think so. This is a mean rocker that appears to tell a tale of death and piracy . Most people on hearing 'Dance Macabre' would recognise this as an absolutely outstanding composition. A hypnotic emotional blues with a gut wrenching guitar solo at around 3:12 makes this a classic tune. 'Land of Cockaigne' is a startling contrast and a gentle beautiful meditation that dreams of a simpler life. Gorgeous harmonies and some quiet electronics embellish this heart moving song. The song writing on this album is of the highest order. 'Atlantis' is another moving ballad of longing, beautifully delivered, before 'The Strangers of Maresfield Gardens' opens with spoken word hidden in the mix leading into a mysterious conversation between General Patton and Sigmund Freud. It is totally compelling and convincing piece that without being heavy is full of meaning. 'A Coat Worth Wearing' is a rich and satisfying collection of songs that really demands your attention. It is one of those rare albums that you cannot leave halfway through. For me this is an album of the land, earthy and quite dark, full of stories and fables, old buildings and faded memories. Reco rded in one take 'Night Watchman' is yet another highlight, just McSweeney’s voice, broken and tender, and a gently played guitar lamenting a failing relationship. Sonically the recording is full and meaty without crowding the instruments and vocals. A little investigation reveals the mastering was done in Iceland by an old hero of mine Valgeir Sigurdsson, a master of his craft, who has worked his magic on a fine project. An Edward Thomas poem graces the album cover and the line he pens could well describe 'A Coat Worth Wearing' - “The dead ,the waste, the dangerous, and all to sweetness turns”. Miss this one at your peril, friends.

Track Listing:-

1 Old Glory Blues
2 Forlorn Hope
3 Danse Macabre
4 Land of Cockaigne
5 Atlantis
6 Strangers of Maresfield Gardens
7 Waving Not Drowning
8 Night Watchman
9 The Call