I gave the album a good listen while at work. It always takes me about 3 to 4 listens to get a feel for each song. I was underwhelmed to say the least, many slow tracks that did very little for me; nothing as obvious/catchy as say I Used to Could, Gator Blood or Corned Beef City. Privateering is my favourite MK album, so Tracker would need to be pretty special to come close.
MK has approached each album in a different way from the last (which keeps it interesting for him, and us) which brings mixed results. I wasn't impressed with the stagnant Shangri-La and especially Kill to Get Crimson, his weakest album by far; I thought that was it. Get Lucky restored my faith with more engaging and variable songs, and of course Privateering is superb!
I love the cover of Tracker, it's pretty epic (all MK covers are good and memorable) It reminds me of a movie poster. It's almost like MK could be chilling in that field, on a sunny day playing these chilled and laid back tunes. It has to be his most chilled effort to date; certainly is a new experience out of his now 8 solo albums, hence the new album approach view. I see Richard Bennett wasn't involved this time round.
Laughs and Jokes and Drinks and Smokes - An interesting opener, not had this style before. I like the tempo and beat, kinda jazzy, before the inevitable, and some what tiresome fiddle, whistle and flute element that's been present since Golden Heart, a whole 19 years ago! 7/10
Basil - Reminds me of In the Sky a lot, which I like. It's one of the better tracks. 8/10
River Towns Could have slotted on to Get Lucky, pleasant enough, but nothing special. 6/10
Skydiver - Something new here, it does indeed have a Beatles St. Pepper vibe to it. It's kinda fun but that's all 6/10
Mighty Man - As has been mentioned, this does have a heavy Belfast Child vibe. It is quite stirring in parts, but, not one of my faves 5/10
Broken Bones - A song about J.J. Cale, It does actually sound just like a Cale song
Not a fave either though 5/10
Long Cool Girl - I like this, above average, just. 7/10
Lights of Taormina - This could have been on Shangri-La, and like that album, not that enticing 5/10
Silver Eagle - One of my faves. Reminds me of Remembrance Day, although I like this better. 9/10
Beryl - Heard this loads on Radio 2 the past month and played it myself. It certainly stands out from the rest of the slow tempo tracks, and is another highlight. 9/10
Wherever I Go I don't think MK has ever done a poor closing song, and this is right up there. 8/10
It all sounds like Tracker could be a movie soundtrack.. Overall a drop in quality, patchy and disappointing..
