I am in a high mood since I listen to the snippets on a daily base and I knew this would happen of course - some people disagree. I find that rather amusing - I think it is a sign of (my) maturation that I just leave that to those and pity them a bit - I for my part have heard some of the best stuff MK has put out ever - I know it's a big word but there it is. It is the easiness just "to make some noise" - and not becoming obsessed with finding the right little flavour here and subtle detail there - instead of that he is just playing away - with a lot of "joie de vivre" - I wanted a blues record from MK since 20 years or so. Or maybe longer.
I always had problems with the very soft and very high voice on some of the recent albums - Monteleone, although great, was sung in such a mellow and weak way, same with Remembrance Day and Hard Shoulder - never liked it really, disturbed me a bit. I haven't found this singing style on the new songs which is great. His voice is excellent and outstanding on some songs. Go, Love, although only heard in parts, has the potential to become an all-time favourite for me, Yon Two Crows is really promising and sounds Dire Straitish and dramatic, and just listen to the deep sounding and absolute cool rhythm guitar part on Don't Forget Your Hat - the light and heartwarming loveliness of Miss You Blues - I could go on forever --- YES, I love it already now! The way he sings the first two lines of I Used To Could (...how he pronounces "train", or "winterkill" in Yon Two Crows, ... BRILLIANT!)
And so much more to discover. Seattle grows on me, Submariner also... Is there really more one could ask for?
And suddenly I am into the lyrics, something that didn't work by just reading them. His voice and phrasing and interpretation makes me want to know more about it. It is always the same thing. Just discovered how wonderful the lyrics of Yon Two Crows are. For me, this is complete bliss! Maybe it's because I am a uncritical fanboy. But who cares. Being a fan of high quality stuff like this is nothing to feel ashamed of.
LE