Reviews February 2008 Page 6 Fish - 13th Star (Chocolate Frog) I’ve always felt a certain oneness with Fish, an affinity, if you prefer. From the moment I found out that my missus went to school with the Kayleigh’s sister (yes, the one from the Marillion song), it’s felt like we’ve had a common bond. It’s not like I stalk him or anything and I’ve not seen him lurking in the shadows at the end of my street, but I have followed his career with an interest that I don’t usually deploy for ageing proggers. Not that Fish applies his art with the sort of pomp or pretentiousness that some working in the genre are only to keen to promote. No, Fish, as I imagine him, is a down to earth sort of bloke, a meat and potatoes sort, and that’s reflected in his music. Orchestras are avoided, keyboards remain unmutilated, Fish will not be wearing a cape and no one’s going to be performing a ballet on ice to 13th Star. This is prog for the proles, classic rock for the common man and I’m all for it. The album is a concept piece which revolves around love and the search for contentment - the 13th Star. As all concept albums must do, if they’re any good, it holds together very well as a collection of songs. The production is taut and the big man’s in good voice. If you suspect that this might be something that you’ll enjoy, then you probably will. Rob F. - Mark and The Spies - S/T (Screaming Apple) It’s taken me ages to get around to reviewing this CD because it has been lodged into my portable player and has followed me to work each day, on a visit to Disneyland and onto the terraces of Leicester City’ Walkers Stadium. You see, life is massively better with Mark and the Spies in your earholes. Carl J. - Frank Carillo & The Bandoleros - Someday (Jezebel) Frank Carillo’s got one hell of a CV. Over the years he’s recorded with Frampton, jammed with Led Zep and Bad Company, and co-authored Golden Earring and Twiggy albums. He’s kept himself busy, and since 2004 the Bandoleros have been his main gig. Their blues / roots hybrid oozes professionalism and confidence in both the quality of the songs and the band’s performance. But that’s not everything. I prefer my Americana a trifle roughed up ‘round the edges, and with a little soul on the side. Taken as a whole, Someday is too polished for my ears, though individual tracks do stand out. In particular “Eastern Time” is a tremendous song with a great country rock vocal and “Roll The Bones” with its references to “London town”, “Chelsea” and the “Kings Road” indicates an admirable knowledge of UK geography. For an American. www.frankcarillo.com Rob F. - Dave Lionelli - Acid Folk (Tiny Lion) Someone ought to tell Dave Lionelli that if you call your album Acid Folk, people are going to have certain expectations - none of which are fulfilled on his debut album. That may or may not be a good thing, depending on how you feel about Devendra Banhart and his psychedelic strumming ilk. Dave Lionelli’s strengths lie in his songwriting abilities and the country-folk-r&b arrangements that surround them. There’s no place to hide for the singer-songwriter, armed only with basic instrumentation and a voice - fortunately, with a sound rooted in the past, he delivers in spades. “The Gala Affair” is all swirling organs and a chugging rhythm, and the album’s highlight “Condemnation”, which repeats the trick with the keys, and adds a lyric which is as dark as anything Townes van Zandt came up with. www.davelionelli.com Rob F. - Emily Asen - Avalanche (Violet Maiden) With her bittersweet voice, edgy guitar riffs and innovative arrangements, Emily Asen is bringing a new pulse to the veins of folk music. Dealing with the struggles of love and art, her songs are universal and intimate, nostalgic and unexpected. The Avalanche EP features Emily’s signature acoustic guitar, surrounded by an orchestra of sound including her own cello, mandolin, piano and electric guitar parts. Ranging from the organic, ethereal quality of Beth Orton to the raw lyricism of Joni Mitchell, the Avalanche EP is an example of Emily’s own neo-folk movement, which bridges the gap between acoustic folk rock and contemporary sounds. www.myspace.com/emilyasen Carl J. - Thomas Denver Jonsson - The Lake Acts Like An Ocean (Kite Records) Thomas Denver Jonsson is a Swedish singer-songwriter and Lake Acts Like An Ocean is his third long-player, following on from 2003’s Hope To Her and 2005’s Barely Touching It. His latest is something of a mixed bag, which wins through ultimately due to the rich tone and good feel that Jonsson brings to the music. The instrumental “The Tap Dancers Union” is a prime example. Stripped down to just acoustic guitar, it still manages to warm the cockles. Other highlights include opening track “The Boarder”; an outstanding song, and the final cut, “Love Campaign”, an atmospheric duet with Jennie Stearns, formerly of Donna The Buffalo. Pete J. Next Page Past Reviews: March 07, April 07, May 07, June/July 07, Sept/Oct 07, Dec07, Jan08, Feb 08