Various Artists compilation
This compilation strives to be a cut above the rest by loftily describing itself as a "beautiful, personal and insightful collection of some most touching songs from some of this Country's most talented artists", and then proceeds to list some of said artists' accolades such as touring with James Blunt, hmmm, I'm pretty sure you don't get points for that one.
My sarcasm aside I'm not sure why this compilation doesn't feature exclusive songs or versions, and instead includes wonderful artists like Nerina Pallot but uses a song like 'Sophia'. Indeed it is a beautiful song but one which has been around for quite some time, especially considering the album it is taken from was released in both 2005 and 2006. Us seasoned listeners like to think we're getting something new or at least exclusive from compilations as otherwise, what's the incentive to part with the cash? Particularly as in a matter of moments you can access sound clips and mp3s from artists' websites.
There's no mistaking the stellar cast on display here though with the opening track being supplied by Lamb vocalist Lou Rhodes. 'Fortress' is a gentle, easy to like introduction to the album with its interesting percussive rhythms insuring the song doesn't slip by unnoticed. Holly Taymar's 'Home' is nice enough and twinkles effortlessly, but doesn't exactly send you running to investigate more of her material. Tom McRae's effort is barely memorable a moment later but luckily Nerina Pallot's gorgeous piano ballad 'Sophia' is up next, and is easily the best song so far. Ed Harcourt's 'Wind Through the Trees' is similar in its fragile beauty and has a very epic stature. My only concern by this point is that the album may have hit its peak too early. And judging by the next few songs my concern seems warranted, although Francis Dunnery and Helen Boulding are not awful there songs meander along with nothing to differentiate themselves from a mountain of other pleasant but rather dull folk artists. Things worsen considerably with Rob Reynolds, a very generic sounding; AOR voice makes this the kind of song which could soon have a TV advert to its name.
Ex-Easyworld member David Ford raises the stakes with 'What Would You Have Me Do?' an emotion-fuelled piano tune with searing intensity. The genuine nature of the song makes it easy to love as well as easy to remember. Unfortunately the majority of the remaining songs fail to strike such a chord, but none are jarring as particularly poor.
This album is never going to be the kind you wish to blast out and sing along to in an energetic fashion, and neither does it try to be. Although there are obvious misses there are enough bright stars being showcased here to inspire music buyers, and the heartfelt folk weaves its magic spell on the listener quite easily.