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I have been an all consuming fan of Verve
from the moment I heard them around 7 years ago. That listening
induced a frenzy of collecting every single, E.P., and any
bonus tracks from compilations that I could get my grubby
mitts on. And I never stopped. With my intense interest in
Verve, I can't help but compare them to Ashcroft's stunning
solo debut. The first Verve full length, A Storm In Heaven,
was more of a full band effort with Ashcroft and guitarist
Nick McCabe forming the center of gravity. A Northern Soul,
their second release, you can begin to see a struggle developing
between the creative juices of Nick and Richard. The album
seemed unfocused at times, but on a few tracks we can hear
the shift of Ashcroft's voice from his earlier wispy, breathy
style to a more soulful, sometimes gospel feel. The same voice
that helped shape the album that knocked the industry on its
bewildered ass; Urban Hymns. The last Verve release that showcased
the new soulful style of Ashcroft on every single and most
of the album. With all this, Ashcroft's solo release seems
the perfect next step. Richard is definitely more in control
of everything and playing more instruments than ever, but
this CD still feels like what would've been the next logical
Verve release given their progression on each album. Not a
complaint, but just a thought on much Ashcroft has nurtured
his talent at singing, playing, writing and producing. And
all for the better.
Ashcroft enlisted a variety of talent for
Alone With Everybody (the CD title was inspired by a poem
of the same name by American author Charles Bukowski.) He's
joined by old band mate Peter Salisbury on drums for most
of the album and Gospel bassist Pino Pallidino, who has recorded
with Oleta Adams, Joan Armatrading and Claudio Baglioni. Another
heavily featured player is Country legend and pedal steel
guitar specialist B.J. Cole. Wife and former Spiritualized
keyboardist Kate Raldey plays on a few songs as well. After
all, the CD is dedicated to her and their new baby Sunny.
This ensemble and the efforts of Will Malone, who arranged
and conducted the strings and the mixing abilities of Chris
Potter, has been a very successful mixture. Two singles have
already been released, "A Song For The Lovers" and "Money
To Burn" and are doing well on the charts, with a third, "C'mon
People (We're Making It Now)," on the way. The album debuted
at the top of the U.K charts. And in their own way, each and
every tune on the CD is strong enough to stand alone as a
single. Even all the b-sides, that are only available on import
releases, would be strong tunes for singles. I would think
the catchy and melody laden track "New York" will be the next
single or at least the one that gets released in the U.S.
It probably has the most promise and mostly 'cause of the
title and it's about the city (you know how we Americans are,
more stuff about US).
Each and every track has so much to offer,
some being lush and full of strings, organs or pianos and
a variety of other instruments gives each song it's own life.
Some being so rich with melodies that you get lost in the
weave. You should conceivably be able to play any tune from
the album and convince your friends that this is the next
release they must unyieldingly purchase, lest they be stripped
naked, shaved bald, rolled in a cactus patch and dipped in
Tabasco sauce. Well maybe the shaving thing would be a bit
much. Still yet, this is one of the best releases you could-should--no
must add to your collection. You can take credit for it among
your friends or just listen to it at home and pat yourself
on the back for such a great idea.
-Jeff Turner
Track Listing:
1. A Song For The Lovers
2. I Get My Beat
3. Brave New World
4. New York
5. You On My Mind In My Sleep
6. Crazy World
7. On A Beach
8. Money To Burn
9. Slow Was My Heart
10. C'mon People (We're Making It Now)
11. Everybody
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