Living in London, but hailing from New Zealand, Alan Gregg is back. The ex Mutton Bird and Marshmallow songster knows his way round a song and his new moniker, Polite Company is superb Pop Rock, the type we know and love.
This is extremely jaunty Pop of the highest order, very 70s at times, but also in kilter with the likes Nick Hayward, Pugwash and any of the better Cali Pop merchants that you wish to mention. Piano led at times, but with big dashes of Brass.
That Brass lights up the album, particularly on the likes of Perfectly Good Explanation when it turns Tijuana. But the variety doesn't end there. New Yacht is Bossa Nova, Shrinking Violet mixes US easy Listening with 60s Gentle Psych Pop verging on Toytown.
Empty Beach mixes Piano Pop with a wonderful Jangle and Buzz Me In is a wonderfully melodic ballad. There is great wit in the writing as demonstrated in the song titles. That humour is enhanced by the adeptness that Gregg has a real lyrical adeptness.
Otis Mace Guitar Ace is a sort of Countrified Horace Wimp and Second Chance Charity Store is another storytelling joy. Tell Me When It's Time is a little Gilbert O'Sullivan and a lot Nick Frater with additional wonderful Lap Steel.
Circulation is a belter of an opener, jauntiness at its finest. At times the whole album sounds a bit Lilac Time popped up even further. The album is splendid gentle Pop, arranged and performed to perfection. Totally engaging, utterly listenable, what a great understated feel good thing this is.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl, CD and as a download.
............
No comments:
Post a Comment