More Records

I seem to have slipped into record-buying mode so here are a few more reviews:

Sunshine Superman - Donovan

I've always liked a bit of Donovan, mainly the hippy-trippy poppy bit, but I've put off getting a CD because I can never find the right collection - it must have all the hits I remember from way back when but also needs to include his covers of Buffy songs. His cover of 'Universal Soldier' was a hit here and a minor hit in America but, to be honest, isn't a patch on Buffy's original - his voice just doesn't have the same emotional intensity as Buffy. He also did 'Cod'ine' but you don't see that one very often. I was browsing in HMV and saw his latest collection for a fiver or thereabouts and thought, 'go on, just get it,' and I'm so pleased I did. No Buffy songs but it's a very good collection.

As well as the hits and well-known songs like 'Barabajagal', 'Sunshine Superman', 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' and 'Mellow Yellow' it has a good selection of his mid/late '60s work, some of which is hippy drivel but worth listening to (the introduction to 'Atlantis' really ought to be banned in any civilised country that survived the '60s) to the inspired 'Sunny Goodge Street' and 'Seasons of the Witch'. As well as the psychedelic songs there are a few jazz-tinged tracks that sound excellent, particularly set against Donovan's sometimes odd diction.

And, to be fair to Mr Leitch, Buffy does get some credit in the booklet that comes with the CD. It refers to Buffy and to 'Universal Soldier' but goes on to say that, for this collection, they concentrated on his own songs rather than cover versions. Fair enough. And what interesting songs they are too. They deserve lots of listens.

The record just reeks of an English sunny Sunday afternoon, much in the same way as The Kinks stuff sounds very 'English', which is odd considering that Donovan is Scottish. I wish I'd bought it over the summer.

Never Said Goodbye - Cerys Matthews

I won't pretend to be a big Cerys or Catatonia fan but I liked Catatonia's last two albums and I sort of like Cerys on principle - a boozy rock chick kind of lass who duets with Tom Jones must have something going for her. Some of her songs with Catatonia really worked for me, with her almost hoarse voice rasping out heart-felt lyrics over a sometimes clashing music track. I listened to her the other day, that track on 'International Velvet' (I think) that was mainly sung in Welsh, and just thought 'yes!' That was their breakthrough album and they had a song in Welsh on it. Not the best marketing move, but it worked for them.

I noticed that Carys was on the 'new folk' festival scene over the summer and downloaded the 'Open Roads' single, and that made me aware of this album. I thought 'why not?' and bought it. I've only listend to it once so far but it works for me. It's a bit difficult to describe how it sounds - it's sort of like all my favourite Catatonia songs updated and played even louder with more drums but with less booze involved. Does that make any sense? I suppose what I'm saying is that I like it and, if you liked Catatonia, you'll probably like it as well. Cerys's voice has mellowed a bit (maybe she's given up the tabs?) but it's as powerful as ever.

Now that I've heard the album I wonder why 'Open Roads' was the first single - there are better tracks here to choose from (or maybe that's me). This album will be on Ipey before the night is out - I need to listen to it a few more times.

Go - The Very Best of Moby

You almost certainly know all the tracks (didn't everyone on the planet buy 'Play'?) and that's the joy of this record. I like his stuff but prefer the later material, things like 'Lift Me Up', 'We Are All Made Of Stars' and, of course, the wonderful 'New York New York' with Debbie Harry doing the vocal honours. 'Bodyrock' and 'Natural Blues' are other stand-outs. I need say no more - I'm boogying as I type.

The CD also gives you access to a 'private' area for downloads 'n' stuff. This month's free download is an 8 minute version of 'Honey'.