Head is responsible for most of the words and a good piece of the eclectic music on this album. George Sarah is responsible for most of the sound except for Heads voice. The combination is quite effective. Anthony Head's voice lends itself to an intimate style, the musical delivery adds interest, but is very careful to leave the core content and it's style the predominant elements. Considering how many times I've had to sit through a 'star' album that has been over-produced in order to disguise the more obvious faults this is a refreshingly genuine piece of work.
It's hard to critique the debut album of someone whose creativity you really do admire. One wants to gush, and there is a lot to praise here. But if Head has a weakpoint, it is as a lyricist. His words are far from terrible, and they address some interesting subjects - a father's lament in 'Babies,' the depressing side of Los Angeles in 'This Town In The Rain.' But he always hovers on that ever-dangerous border between trite and meaningful - and doesn't always land on the good side. He does really try to say a lot in his songs and there are certainly no abject failures. Just be prepared for a dash of almost boyish awkwardness.
Among the very good is the aforementioned 'Babies,' a very unusual cover of 'We Can Work It Out,' the almost metaphysical, very environmental 'One Man's Rain,' and 'Change' where the content almost runs away with the music, but not quite. Over all this is a very satisfactory album - speaking as someone who buys very few 'pop/rock' albums in any year. Maybe that's something I should change...
This is simply one of the best produced albums I have heard in a while. They music and Anthony's voice are a perfect fit.Excellent Work- Where's the sequel! I bought this CD a few days ago because it was by ASH and I believe he is a great artist and I like to collect mostly everything he does. (Got Manchild too!) I never thought I was going to like it THIS much. If you are looking for Giles - "Standing on the Way", kind of performance, this CD might not be for you, but, if you like Enigma, Adiemus and other eclectic electronic music matched with a wonderful voice... go for it! You won't be dissapointed. Now the problem I have is that I want MORE!
