13th August 2023
My cousin Robert has sent me an email with some comments after listening to the Astounding Songs album:-
Hi Ian,
Here at last, some comments for Astounding Songs. I've been distracted recently thinning out my CD collection a bit, something I do periodically when I realise there are albums that I no longer really want to listen to. But I've been checking them out rather than listening to your albums! But I had a dentist appointment at lunchtime yesterday so had a quiet morning and generated these comments along the way.
I wouldn't say this was necessarily a favourite album but as usual there is something of interest here, and I am always interested to hear what is inspiring you! This album certainly contains quite a mix of songs with no particular theme.
1. Before The Golden Age - (new) - This one has grown on me. It's not a melody that instantly catches my ear but there is a lot going on which makes this an interesting song. There is a good beat, a nice bass line and some interesting guitars. The vocals are good and the lyrics make an interesting listen.
2. The Noble King - (new) - This is one of those gentle and pleasant songs. It has a nice melodic and relatively simple accompaniment which fits the song nicely. There is some nice guitar and strings which I like. The vocals are particularly good on this I think.
3. He Got It Wrong - (new) - Another song that is quite easy to listen to. It's not a song that particularly appeals to me but there is nothing wrong with it.
4. As Long As You Get Your Way - (previously on Chasing Chances) - I like the intro to this. A song with a good rhythm and beat. Some nice guitars and a really engaging guitar break, and the song plays out well too. Both the versions are good but this version sounds a bit more polished as you might expect, and Jules' vocal adds a nice touch.
5. The Semi-Acoustic Interlude - ( previously on The Musical Almanac) - When listening on the headphones you get a really good stereo effect. This is a nice pleasant instrumental which is a nice blend of the instruments used. I find it very easy to listen to. Again I like both versions but this version has a softer accompaniment to the guitar which I prefer.
6. Keep Us Free - (new) - This is one of those songs where the melody doesn't really appeal that much but I quite like the song, it is quite easy to listen to and there are some nice instruments supporting the stronger lead guitar. Obviously very relevant and carries an important message.
7. The Dispatch Rider - (new) - I'm a bit neutral on this one. I do like some of the instrumentals and it all fits together well to give a good overall effect, but again the melody doesn't catch my ear. But it definitely has some nice touches, and it's an interesting story and I like the sound effects.
8. Battle Of Jutland - (new) - I like the intro to this, and the song has a really good feel to it, very relevant to the subject. Again not so keen on the melody but there are some nice strings and guitar. Again the song is interesting with some nice sound effects and is a good story.
9. Omaha Beach - (new) - Not so keen on this one I'm afraid but it's another interesting historical song. Is the crime referred to the same incident as Mutiny in Launceston describes?
10. A Horseman Came Riding - (previously on The Musical Almanac/Jules Jones albums) - This song has appeared a few times recently. There are some nice guitars and the vocals are good, and there is nothing wrong with it, but it's not one of my favourites. This version is very similar to the Musical Almanac version but it sounds sharper, which may be due to the recording.
11. Platinum Jubilee - (new) - This is an
other one that isn't really my type of song.
12. The Valiant Squire - (new) - Another one I'm a bit neutral on. Again not really my type of song but there are some nice instrumental touches which I like and make the song worth listening to.
Best wishes,
Rob.