Andy Cornfoot - Crosswords By Daniel Laney

Until a couple of months ago writing CD reviews was an alien technique for myself. I had always preferred going to the shows and feeding off the crowd's energy. When it comes to writing CD reviews there seems to be several ways to approach the task, usually ripping the CD up track by track and individually analysing every song seems the most common and acceptable approach.

But what do you do when you find yourself with a CD where each track provides a contribution to the whole picture? In other words each track tells a part of the story and the actual record is the beginning, middle and end? Well, Andy Cornfoot's Crosswords is in itself one of those pieces of music where it should be described as a whole. The feelings these ten tracks create are on a range between relaxation, comfort and enthusiasm for the music.

With the stand out track Crossword Girl opening the record you know the journey you will be taking for the next thirty minutes will be an easy one, but moments will occur where you have to participate in some self reflection.

A beautiful use of harmonies create the safety you may need on the journey but at times the gruff voice Andy utilises allows us to realise that the tales he is telling sometimes have jagged edges and that life ain't all rosey. This more raw, rugged approach can be found on tracks Be With You, Becky Song and Home.

With this in mind it would be sensible to point out that these tracks are by far for fans of groups such as Fuel and Train. For those who are not familiar with these groups they are emotive soft rock American groups that sing about the harsher elements of human existence, for instance the turmoil that love and relationships bring.

Andy has one hell of a voice and I actually thought he was from America's deep south. Although what has been mentioned so far may in fact perhaps make those reading this think Andy is only concerned with life's darker sounds, they should now be pointed in the right direction. Andy's Crosswords is a story and as with every good tale, there are ups and downs. The ups Andy creates by positioning tracks in particular orders helps to provide these glorious moments.

A warm, comforting and full sound allows us to feel safe and ready for whatever challenges life has to throw; it's almost as if the songs are placed to be used when needed to kick yourself up the bum when you get down and with the lullaby techniques you can also relax.

Covers of The Beatles' Blackbird could be seen as a daring choice to add to one's CD but in Andy's case it only adds as the missing link to the stories conclusion. The use of The Scissor Sisters Take Your Mama Out also adds to the highs the tale Andy tells and also covering the Bluesy Before You Accuse Me only aids us to get back on track.

One of the best half an hour's of your life can be gained by popping this ten-track wonder in your CD player. A warm and full sound recording throughout is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon or for when you're feeling self-reflective.

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