Paul Minor “Shadow Figure” (I Eat Records 2006)

A minor success

It is mildly ironic that a site such as ours when reviewing this record dispenses with the more overt alt-country songs (‘Made to be Broken’ with its country rock leaning and a forgettable cover of ‘Lost Highway’) in favour of embracing the MOR elements. These are piano driven songs, hardly original, not breaking barriers but done with an engaging aplomb. There is a run of three songs that are infectious in a closing time sentimental ballad kind of a way, the pick being ‘Every Star Has a Shadow’. When things are intimate he draws you in, gets up close and personal you listen, are engaged - but when you contrast that to the brash pop of ‘Ordinary Gurls’ (not even close to Big Star) it sounds simplistic and a little trite. ‘My Beautiful Child’ is different altogether: his voice reaches out to you and the piano dispenses melancholy and hope in equal measure. This works best in the shadows, in the margins - when he struts and frets his allotted hour in the full naked glare of the spotlight the brightness robs him of the intimacy that he does so well.

Date review added:  Monday, May 22, 2006
Reviewer:  David Cowling
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist Website