New John Illsley album

[peterromer]

Thanks to DS I don’t think John worries much about money… he probably plays what he likes. Or maybe that’s all he can write. As long as it makes him happy I’m happy too. The guy is the coolest.

Exactly and when he comes up with tunes like Toe The Line and Its A long Way Back,he shows good songs that has this DS sound around them and so what.
Limited or not, I enjoy some of his tracks.

 

[caci99]

I like the two new pieces of John. Which way is up I like it more.
Anyway, I am not expecting anything groundbreaking from John, but the songs are pleasant to the ear and not boring. Thumbs up to him for getting out and trying it, he can still entertain although it sounds so repetitive.

[hunter]

Had a listen to VIII on Tidal just now. Although there are the obvious DS-inspired songs (and almost parodic MK licks), forced rhymes and pretty banal and obvious statements (show, don't tell, John), I actually think this is one of John's better albums. The songs that sound less like DS are the ones I like the most. Production is very nice too. Haven't had a chance to play it on my stereo system yet, only on headphones.

Edit: I've been playing this a few times now, and I actually enjoy it (I just don't listen too much to the words ...). "Wondering" is a particularly beautiful song. Some fine guitar playing on this album too, not everthing is taken from the MK book of licks

[Robson]

A very nice album.

My favorite:

It's Long Way Back to Deptford Town
21st Century
Market Town
Wondering
None Of This Was Planned
And Beatles I'm Only Sleeping too:)

[qjamesfloyd]

I have listened to this album through once, and on first hearing, it could well be John's best album, ok, his lyrics are not great but we kind of know that anyway, but the music, playing and recording is really good.

[TJ]

I've always thought John is an excellent musician and arranger, but I really dislike his vocal delivery and his songwriting is pretty weak IMO.  I really, really liked the Beautiful You album with Greg Pearle, because Greg's vocals and songwriting were pretty strong, and the musicianship on that record is very good.  Pity they never worked together again.

Fun memory: just after that album came out, I had "Shine" on in the car and my 10 year old daughter, who knew nothing about Illsley/Pearle, said, "Who is this cheap Dire Straits knock-off?" 

[dustyvalentino]

Ha, your daughter will go far!