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Ed HarcourtStrangers Heavenly/EMI Ed Harcourt is, quite simply, one of the most important, inspiring, and beautiful songwriters in the world today. Although terminally ignored by radio and commercial interests, I predict that history will regard Harcourt as one of the defining and most influential musicians of this decade. Already his influence is being seen on the underground pop scene, and when the glory days of real pop music are revisited, many will quote their first Harcourt musical experience as one of their most satisfying. I know I will. 'Strangers', his third album, is just as brilliant as anything else he has ever done. First track The Storm Is Coming is unrestrained and uplifting; Born In The '70s has one of the greatest harpsichord introductions I have ever heard; the swinging first single This One's For You is up there with the best he has ever written. The title track has that great Hammond sound to it, and the dramatic Let Love Not Weigh Me Down is another candidate for song of the year. That squeaky pump organ made famous by his last record, 'From Every Sphere', reappears as Something To Live For, a simple solo tune to savour. The token guitar song, The Trapdoor, is marvellous; The Music Box could be the soundtrack to the most beautiful moment of your life; and should-be single Loneliness is a number one hit in the making. Ben Folds would be rather jealous of Open Book and Black Dress, as Paul McCartney just might be of Kids. If you've ever felt jealous that you didn't get into a true classic until years later, make sure you get this album and get in on the ground floor. It might not change the world, but it may well change your life.  |
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