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This has got to be one of the most popular bands you never hear on the radio. Hey, Mr. Easy Listening DJ; next time you pull out that Jackson Browne "Doctor My Eyes," for the fifty millionth time why not stick in a Del Amitri song instead? "Waking Hours" is the record that hooked most fans initially, although the band has had some great ones since. The first song, "Kiss This Thing Goodbye," was the most mainstream, popular overseas and getting a lot of play here in the US. It is one of the most upbeat tracks on the record with banjo and harmonica blending seamlessly in the background. The working class love song keeps with the overall mill town theme while "watchin’ the fumes foul up the sunlight." The next song, "Opposite View," is a little too pop for my taste. Del Amitri manages to save the sugar sweet song with cynical lyrics. "Waking Hours" most memorable tune is "Move Away Jimmy Blue." Anyone living in Central New York can relate to this song, unless you just moved here or you’re a dull-witted fool. The voice of small town life resonates throughout this record and nowhere as gently loud as in this song. The next two cuts, "You’re Gone" and "When I Want You," are not as impressive as the rest of the record, but listenable. Nothing on this CD is bad enough to spoil the entire album, and all the songs are blended together in a downbeat blue tone that still manages not to be discouraging. The violin and guitar strings blend perfectly with Justin Currie’s vocals on "This Side of the Morning." Also one of the best bits on the record, it’s a realistic love song of love that starts with the intensity of the universe and ends with a cynical, apathetic whimper. "Empty," the next track is hardly worth a mention. Then "Hatful of Rain" is the most upbeat of all the songs with a pleasant sunny feel, betraying its title. The last and another of the memorable songs is "Nothing Ever Happens." A melodic story that can fit into any town, big or small. This one pulls out the Scottish stops in its lament to the modern mill worker, the office drone. Once again Currie’s singing skills keep this one from falling into a depressive state and help weave a tapestry of modern life. The dark melodies on this record keep you listening over and over again, without noticing how depressing it should be. News Del Amitri’s site says that as of August 12, 2002 Universal has dropped them and the band is shopping a new label. As far as we here in the US are concerned its Universal’s loss. The band's site is witty and fun with some great web design. It too, is worth checking out, especially if you're a fan. |
Regressive Music Review