ALBUM REVIEW: Amos Lee
- Posted on April 12, 2007 2:05 PM
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AMOS LEE: Supply and Demand: Blue Note/EMI
Review by Peter Coulston
No matter how many albums we may have accumulated over the years, we all have a handful that we go back to again and again. I certainly do; and one of those albums is Jackson Browne’s “Running On Empty”. I return to it so often because of it’s simplicity and honesty and the way that it refuses to be pretentious despite being full of beautiful songs, lovingly performed. For the very same reasons, I have fallen in love with this album. Both albums use each instrument sparingly, allowing the songs to take centre stage while the musicians are the icing on the cake. Like Jackson Browne, Amos Lee is a superb songwriter who blends every melody and lyric like a winemaker producing a timeless premiere cru. The producer, Barrie Maguire, has given such respect to this material (as well as playing bass), which has not been lost in Kevin Killen’s mix.
To open, “Shout Out Loud” sets the gentle, acoustic pace with it’s catchy hook. More of the same with “Sympathise” while “Freedom” rocks a little more with another good hook. “Careless” takes in right down for a superb keyboard led gem about losing a lover to a friend. “Skipping Stone” is gospel jazz which shows off Mr Lee’s vocal skills complemented by a classy organ. The title track ups the tempo again for some good acoustic country with understated dobro.
“Sweet Pea” is lots of fun with the ukulele backing; the sort of country swing that Bob Dylan is into these days. “Night Train” is dark and moody, and hits the spot for anyone who has ever been a long way from home and eager to get back. “Southern Girl” is probably my favourite track with it’s rocky feel, tight lyrics and great melody in the moving on mode. “The Wind” is another great track in which he takes it right down and moves effortlessly between the major and minor keys. The final track “Long Line Of Pain” does what the title says with a sympathetic pedal steel to lend a hand.
You should be in no doubt by now that I am very impressed with this album. All I can say is, give it a listen sooner rather than later. It is available to sample on myspace and Amos Lee’s own website. You can obtain it on Amazon, iTunes and selected retail outlets. Do not delay, it’s a cracker.
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