Alexander Murray's debut album is an eclectic mix of heartfelt, soulful tracks, stripped to the bare bones and free of the sometimes stifling over production which can very often mask the true feeling within songs.
Armed with only an acoustic guitar to accompany him, Alexander's voice carries each song to the heart of the listener and touches the deep emotion that lies within.
A regular on the live circuit, he has quickly established himself as a worthy and passionate performer.
The presentation of songs here speak of the human emotions we all feel, such as love, pain, social conscience and hope, among others.
For those with soul, it would be more than a decent addition to their music collection.
Check out: myspace.com/xandermurray
REVIEWS:
CITY STREETS, the opening track on Alexander Murray's debut album, is an absolute belter. Given that it's just an acoustic guitar and his voice, you'll be knocked out by it's strength and depth.
Singer/songwriters live and die by their lyrics and Alexander is bang on the money with City Streets. Choice lyrics include "used to be a friend of mine/but now I'm not so well connected." Deft and clever, you wonder if he can repeat the level attained by the first song.
But he does. Less Ordinary is a gorgeous love song, Everythin' Stays The Same drips with yearning, Never Gonna Fly picks at shattered dreams like Nick Drake and I Don't Want To Talk About It has the epicness of The Verve.
This is one singer/songwriter to watch in 2008.
Rick Fulton
Daily Record
UNAFFECTED - BLUES BUNNY REVIEW 17th June 2007
Stepping right into the firing line is not an option that many of us would take. The solo singer songwriter has no option in the matter. Glasgow based Alexander Murray has taken this option with the release of this collection, his debut album. With only a guitar to keep him company, he sings and plays with an edgy energy.
Opening with the dark and moral "City Streets", he sets the tone for the album. Pain and redemption are themes that he returns to many times in these songs. In "River So Wide", he sings with a palpable sense of loss in what might otherwise be classed as a love song. There is a poetry to his lyrics that is especially evident in "Never Gonna Fly" balanced with some fine Davy Graham styled guitar work. The closing song on this album, "I Don't Want to Talk About It", was a highlight. Mr Murray's impassioned voice soars in this song about words left unspoken. Despite the darkness of the soul exposed on many of the songs, there is a sense of hope in it all. He has not given up his fight.
One of the things that are often missed from modern music is intelligence. Give the people a jolly, danceable beat and don't worry about the song having any lasting value. Change the piper but the song remains the same. Some of us will always dance to the tune of a different piper, however. His name is Alexander Murray. Whilst this release is not without flaws, his honest, sometimes raw, lyrics and intense delivery make this a recommendation for those of us who have lived in the shadows and in the light.
N.B. If you download the track City Streets, all proceeds will be donated to the charity Shelter.
|
