"Homespun" by Homespun By Kevin Cross

Comprising the talents of Beautiful South guitarist Dave Rotheray and cockney songstress Sam Brown, I came across this new album quite by chance. Bolstered by members of the excellent Hull music scene, including renowned singer/songwriter Matthew Hogg, this album deserves national acclaim as it is, I can say without fear of contradiction, a revelation.

By all accounts the rather unlikely combination of Brown and Rotheray came about by a chance meeting but you wouldn't guess it. They sound like musical sparring partners of long standing. >From the moment Brown breathes her first line on the gentle, meandering opener "Unfortunately Young" you enter a world of simplified sophistication. Brown sings well within her range while still effortlessly portraying the poignancy of Rotheray's thoughtful, personal lyrics, without ever sounding sentimental. Her London accent and pronunciation add an extra touch of magic. "Did You Ever?" picks up the tempo, chugging along to breezy, retrospective lines. Then comes one of the album's centrepieces, "Don't Force Me To Be Free". Brown laments heartily on this track which deserves standard status. After the homely, acoustic "Anniversary Rag", which contains some maudlin violin, comes "Let Me Be Good". Rotheray shows off his lyrical talent on this. "just as sure as Tuesday always follows Monday / Wednesday tends to find me unsteady on my feet / just as sure as Friday murders Thursday in her sleep / I'll be down and dirty by the end of every week" "I'm In Your Head" is a great pop song, one you can say that without question is too good for the charts.

Brown sings of following her love wherever they may wander - if you're not humming this one after a couple of plays I would be very surprised! "Lonely Together" & "Your Radio" are both excellent while perhaps not quite matching what has gone before, but hidden between them is a gem. "Days" is this album's jewel, and is quite simply one of the most beautiful ballads I've ever heard. Everything about this song is just right - a rare achievement.

The closing "Sundial" provides a suitably downbeat finale preceeded by the stunning "Footsteps", a strange and moving tale of loneliness, lyrically sharp and crisply sung and arranged. This album will certainly appeal to Beautiful South fans (you may have already guessed that I am one) but in saying that it also has its own dimension. Being free of political, issue led songs, it's the personal, friendly touch that leaves you with that feeling you've just listened to something really memorable. A must hear! Nine out of ten. Kevin, Author. Links. One Candle - The Sam Brown Fan Club and Information Service

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