I've been meaning to get around to this for a while and all the melee around IDHAS means I am full of regret that it has taken this long. Blake is one of those great English Singer Songwriters that doesn't get nearly enough credit for both his variety and ability to write the most captivating songs.
His arrangements are becoming legendary, just listen to Disguises and tell me that you are not moved by that delicate fragile melancholic instrumental track, emboldened, not by a Guitar, but by a wonderful Sax solo. Then contrast that to the following track, Coning In From The Cold as a comparison.
That song is just as well put together, yet it is jaunty 70s Pop Rock. That comparison tells you all you need to know about Blake. She's In My Heart contrasts with both as a cracking slab of 60s UK Beat with a gentle Psych Pop riff. We are only a quarter of the way in and I'm already delighted.
Business Hours is great Rock and Roll whilst Strawberry Way is more Folk Pop. Slippery Slope is lyrically modern day, but sounds more like a 60s Troubadour offering. The centrepiece is the magnificent Sharks, a real let's do the song right here.
Being a little late with this review, I had the rare opportunity to read the reviews around. Power Pop is mentioned a lot, which as someone who started in that area, I don't really hear that. The exception is the splendid Everything About Her which is definitely so.
I hear more influences from the great artists over here. The Kinks, Stealers Wheel and even Canterbury Folk. Louder Than Sound is an awesome mix of the slow and the fast, both equally excellent. The Acoustic vibes ache and for the pacier songs, you lose control of your feet. A master at work!
You can listen to and buy the album here. The album is available on CD or as a download.
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