 | ANOTHER GOOD ALBUM FROM AN UNDERRATED ARTIST
rating: 4
As usual with IM albums, all tracks feature interesting lyrics - all songs are penned or co-penned by IM. His voice has never sounded better (he must be over 60 now, yet his voice still retains a smooth, youthful quality). On his earlier albums, including those with Matthews' Southern Comfort and Plainsong, most tracks tended to have a strong country or folk feel to them; on this album, about half the songs have a similar (if somewhat milder) flavour, and half are contemporary 'AOR' pop songs.
The overall sound is influenced by the more extensive use of keyboards and electric guitars (there isn't much 'upfront' acoustic guitar on this album); also, some tracks feature electronic drum loops. It is a sound which represents something of a departure for IM - but it is a very agreeable sound, nonetheless (although some listeners, who prefer IM's music with acoustic or semi-acoustic accompaniment, may not be too enthusiastic). As can be expected from IM albums, the standards of production and musicianship are high.
There were no tracks that I disliked; here are a few comments about my favourites (All tracks written by Iain Matthews) :
FLYING VISIT - A mid-tempo 'laid back' pop song. Features some well arranged backing vocals and a 25 second electric piano (possibly a Rhodes) solo with a 'jazzy' feel to it. Percussion includes bongo drums (or their synthesized equivalent).
BLIND FAITH - A slow tempo song with a very 'laid back' delivery. Again, percussion features bongos and there is some nice fluent guitar playing and a short electric piano solo. Yet another track with well arranged harmony vocals.
FAVOURITE SON - An up tempo pop song that 'rocks a bit'. Some nice clean guitar licks in the background throughout this track.
THE LIMBURG GIRL AND THE TRAVELLING MAN - A slow wistful song with a steady rhythmic beat and a slight 'bluesy' sound to it; also features some really mellow guitar playing.
I didn't think 'Zumbach's Coat' was quite as good as 'Pure and Crooked' but still worth a rating of 4 stars.
UPDATE 22-MAY-07 : A Non-Import 2006 release is now available for about half the price of this (2004 import) version.
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A Warm Coat
rating: 3
This is the most recent release from Iain, it dates from summer 2004. Things begin with the sound of electronic drums on the opening beats of "Cartwheel Avenue" and it's a lively begining with Iain's voice at a lower key than his more familar "Pitch". As usual these are high-caliber tunes with smart lyrics (Adult Comtemporary, I believe they call it).
"Flying Visit" is about jetting from Europe to Texas (to record this CD perhaps) and features some nice keyboards. "One Door Opens" sounds as if the writer is begining a new relationship and "Power" is a rocker about a Texan's misuse of his position and his coruption about his running a one-horse town (You fill in the blanks ____ W ___... "Contact" sounds as Iain is singing about his long career in the Music Industry and wondering if anyone is still listening.
For my ears "Favorite Son" should be on the radio, it's that good (IM on the radio...fat chance). Iain get's to preach a bit on "To Be White" pass this by and "Other Shoe" and you'll find "Start Again" with a great melody of Guitars, it's another song looking back at a long career and being a lot older than New Kids From The Factory. Things rap-up with "The Limburg Girl & The Traveling Man" is a slow one about a night on the phone and a girl he left behind...
This CD is pretty good, but there are some great CD's by Iain out there (Skeleton Keys, Pure & Crooked) and you should start with those recordings first. If you do already own lot's of Iain's earlier stuff and can get by the very stiff Import price tag of "Coat" go ahead and purchase this one because it's still much better than 99.9 Per Cent of all other music out there.
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