Beans On Toast
Album: The Grand Scheme Of Things
Label: Xtra Mile
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.beansontoastmusic.com

It's almost Christmas so that means we're all clamouring for the arrival of one of the more recent festive traditions. No not the John Lewis advert, I'm talking about the annual album from self-professed 'drunk folk singer' Beans On Toast. Album number 6 is yet another collection of slice-of-life modern folk irreverence giving equal billing to lyrics on the life of the Mr Beans himself and a cheerfully scathing questioning of modern life.

Since he last checked in Beans has toured the world, opened arenas for his good pal Frank Turner, toured America with varying success and become engaged to long time muse, and occasional song focus, Lizzy Bee. All in all it's been a big year and it's provided an even wider palette of subject material to be plundered for the 11 tracks that make up 'The Grand Scheme Of Things'. The biggest change comes from the lack of drug references from a singer who was less than shy about proclaiming his love of recreational substances? Has our favourite one man band grown up or is this just part of the plan? This and several other questions are covered in the brilliantly bouncy 'The War On War' which succeeds in verbalising what thousands of us spend hours contemplating in under 2 and a half minutes. 'Fuck You Nashville' and 'The Chicken Song' continue the theme of embittered questioning whilst recognising that none of us are squeaky clean in the same process. The ode to Nashville will appeal to musicians everywhere who've become frustrated or disillusioned with their craft at any point and presents an interesting take on the home of country music which, to some, has become more about business than creativity.

A first stab at writing a song for kids comes in the shape of 'Stinging Nettles' which is the perfect antidote for anyone who hates those ridiculous "LIKE this if you remember Opal Fruits and Marathon bars!!!" posts on social media. It's a genuinely pleasing banjo led ditty featuring a gorgeous backing vocal from Anglo/Gallic folk singer Brooke Sharkey.

Further evidence of the change in Beans' outlook on life shines through with 'Lizzy's Cooking' and 'NOLA Honeymoon' but this doesn't mean we're getting a change in musical direction - the sentiment might be love fuelled but the music is still as raucous and bouncy ever.

Beans On Toast is one of those rare artists who are easy to listen to because by providing continuous talking points and provoking debate with just about every song. Luckily enough though, he's still able to back the lyrics with an enviable talent for knocking out instantly memorable tunes that cling to your brain and refuse to let go for hours afterwards.

For those of you with a Billy Bragg or Frank Turner shaped hole in your 2014 record collection you won't go wrong with 'The Grand Scheme of Things'. Just enough time to edit that letter to Santa!

Rob Fearnley