ALBUM REVIEW: STEPHEN FRETWELL
- Posted on September 10, 2007 12:20 PM
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'Man On The Roof'
Stephen Fretwell announces ‘Man on the Roof’, the follow up album to his gold selling Magpie. It explores the darker side of romance; adultery, unrequited advances and redemption.
Through his tracks William Shatner’s Dog and Funny Hat, Fretwell shows us a personal, reflective side to his music as both songs are written about the same person. There is an air of confusion and sadness about Shatner’s Dog in particular. This album also offers up tracks that are more coded and commercial. Scar for example, is one of the more upbeat tunes with thoughtful lyrics but it could easily be used on a romantic mode for a TV movie in one of those scenes where the on again off again couple are off again but still miss each other and spend a lot of time looking out of windows. Sigh. In his efforts to sound mysterious and unresolved he ends up sounding a little cheesy.
The album was written and produced in New York and the US ambience and influence of American producers can clearly be heard on the tracks San Francisco Blues and Darlin’ Don’t. Here, Fretwell’s refreshing northern accent fades and he takes on a more American brogue. Fair enough. He’s not exactly the first Brit to have a whatever works attitude to his accent on entering the states (Christian Bale- what’s that about?). It’s not necessarily a bad thing but he is treading on Jack Johnson territory a tad. Listen to Darlin’ Don’t and you may be able to hear the reason Fretwell’s sound has been likened to Dylan- minus the harmonica.
The Ground Beneath is a sombre, romantic song if a little mournful. If you’re in the mood for something quite chilled but serious, this would be the track.
Coney and What remind me a teeny bit of Badly Drawn Boy’s About A Boy soundtrack. Ignore the screechy guitar sound at the beginning of Coney and enjoy one of the more British sounding tracks for its absurd yet cheerless lyrics. What has a nostalgic feel; it would have been well placed on an acoustic Verve album from the 90’s.
Rarely commanding much attention, this is a good soundtrack for a long drive; but I’m afraid this album may well remain background music.
- Naima Khan
Click here to see our interview with the Stephen himself.
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