Henry Priestman
Album: The Last Mad Surge Of Youth
Label: Proper
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.henrypriestman.com

'The Last Mad Surge Of Youth' - a marvellous title for what has been a long in the making album from Henry Priestman (known as former member of chart fiends of the eighties and nineties, The Christians). While his first solo album, 2009's 'Chronicles Of Modern Life' was written and recorded in the space of a couple of months, the current material has gestated for almost three years to reach fruition, yet is probably all the better for the chance to let the material evolve and take on their philosophical and introspective qualities. Johnny Walker has come up with the label of "music for grumpy old men"; maybe not the cheerless type of grumpy old man, full of moans, groans, complaints and grievances with the world, but more observational, witty and wry. Henry is clearly comfortable in making his observations and philosophies into song. You get the feeling that there's the trace of a grin on his face as he's singing these songs, his rich tones not quite lapsing into crooner territory as his wistful songs develop.

It's a view which is confirmed by opening the album which opens with 'At The End Of The Day', a melancholic 'Last Of The Summer Wine' style brass provides a steady strolling soundtrack - close your eyes and conjure up images of sepia slow pace and the inevitable onset of old age and the beginning of a series of constant references and clichés about growing old and reflecting back on life. Many have been well used by the end of the second track 'True Believer' ("all things must pass", "I believe that life goes on…what doesn't kill you make strong", "you're gonna find peace of mind and blue sky").

'We Used To Be You' (with part 2 as a bonus track) is all about understanding that comes with age and experience - "We know what it's like but it's hard to say goodbye - one day you'll go through this too" - quite a teary set of thoughts and a sentiment for those parents who have watched their children fly the nest and the feelings which accompany the life changes. Overall it's the start of an optimistic look back on life as the themes of the first couple of tracks take hold and form the basis of all the lyrics of the album. The witty 'In My Head' is a delightful deliberation over self importance and arrogance, backed again by trademark brass and some lovely banjo, while 'Goodbye Common Sense' is a lively set of thoughts with a bluegrassy backing, at various moments even sounding a little Dylan-like in his vocal delivery of the Dylan-like lines about power hungry men of eminence.

At times makes the album will make you smile and warm with his simplistic views; "We've got to rant and rave now, before we get too old, maybe we can save the world" and the call to "get off your arse and vote". At other times, there's an overriding feeling of poignancy, at times quite nostalgic yet thought provoking for a certain generation who may well form a chunk of Henry's audience. Maybe it's a clue to his Yorkshire roots with no nonsense speaking your mind approach and the convivial feeling of the brass instruments. There's no greater compliment that can be paid to the album than to say quite plainly that it's a really enjoyable album, one for repeated listening and guaranteed to touch a nerve of some sort for fans of a certain age who will enjoy the ponderings and contemplations

Mike Ainscoe