What does it sound like?:
Fans of power pop should be acquainted with the music of Thomas Walsh, either as the leader of Pugwash or as half of the cricket-themed Duckworth Lewis method with Neil Hannon. I came to Thomas’ music via my love of Jason Falkner’s work, a mercurial muti-instrumentalist and producer, who has made some astonishing albums of his own, and guested on two Pugwash albums in the noughties.
Having reluctantly split the touring version of the band, Walsh has effectively gone solo, but using Falkner as his right hand man, recording in JF’s LA studio and using Kickstarter to fund their efforts.
Tunewise, it’s a concise bundle of ten songs ranging from sun-kissed pop (The Perfect Summer), via angular XTCish new wave (Why Do I) and woozy psychedelia (Autarch). There are a couple that could come from the pen of Falkner himself, but aren’t (Without You, Easier Done Than Said). The there are the slowies, which Walsh is the master of: Such a Shame is one of his very best, and very much my current ‘jam’. Sonically, it’s marmite – a departure from previous recordings and very much a Falkner sound – everything is thick and compressed, especially the drums, which can be samey to some ears. For those that know and love these two artists, it’s everything you’d hope for. Unfortunately for them, there aren’t enough uberfans – hence the Kickstarter account.
What does it all *mean*?
I seem to be a fan of niche artists – Michael Penn, Farrah, David Mead or the Wondermints – who make effervescent guitar pop with more hooks than a fisherman’s hat. This record fits into my tastes perfectly, and won’t stop me scratching my head and wondering at the comparative success of lesser talents when these songwriting giants struggle. It just ain’t fair.
Goes well with…
A big smile on the face.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
ELO, The Move, Jason Falkner, XTC and all good power pop.
I like Pugwash but I don’t like everything they do. Sometimes they seem a bit bland, or I’ve heard all of that before. I loved TW’s collaboration with NH, ”tis a pity there won’t be more.
I’m going to give this record a go @TrypF because of your fine review. Whatever happened to the Wondermints? I bloody loved that band. Has David Mead’release solo work?
Thanks Baron. Most of The Wondermints are still backing up Brian Wilson live, which is all well and good, but I’d rather hear a new album by them. David Mead has gone off the radar a bit since his last album ‘Dudes’ (he’s another act I’ve only ever seen playing with just a guitar because he can’t afford to tour with a band).
Anyway, here’s one of the new Pugwash songs to give you an idea:
I was fortunate to be amongst the audience at Word-Lovin’ The Islington on Satyrday last to see Comrade Walsh not only knock out the great majority of this splendid new album, but incorporate a How to play the Beatles segment, and some Duckworth Lewis as well as feature a raffle for Children’s charities around the Grenfell Tower disaster.
All done with the broadest of smiles and good cheer.
Go and listen to these marvellous songs and introduce a bit of sunshine into these grey days.
Who is Matt Berry?
There’s a super new website you might enjoy, Colin. It’s called “Goggle” or something and you can use it to look up all kinds of answers to questions. 😉
Wow – you were right Bob! I found this site called Wikipedia on it – and reading the entry on this man I realise that I have neither seen nor heard anything he has done. The name gives me the chills though – wasn’t there some cheesy/slimy soap opera guy called Matt Berry (or something like that) in the 80s?
Matt Berry is wonderful. Talented musician, and a perfect comedy talent. If you haven’t seen Toast of London, treat yourself – although your tolerance for extreme silliness needs to be pretty high.
I may have to pass on that Bob – I more of a gentle humour/wordplay kind of guy. I loathe the Monty Python school and its descendents, I’m afraid.
I think you might be thinking of Mike Berry, Colin.
I have this on heavy rotation at present, it is a perfect Adult Pop album.
I saw Duckworth Lewis at The Afterword Lord’s Cricket Ground gig a few years ago.
Mr.T.Walsh Esq was a fantastic chap after the gig…signing old and new cd’s and indulging in all sorts of “bantz” with the greying/balding punters (Unlike his oppo N.Hannon who didn’t seem to want to interact with the paying punter).