Aaron English “American Fever Dream”
11 minus four
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When you remove the two “outros” and the two single edit versions then this 11 track album is actually reduced to seven. But the seven that remain make for a very haunting, if somewhat musically, simplistic album.
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Opening with the very catchy and melodic ‘Believe’ swiftly followed ‘Doves’, English starts off with his strongest songs. There are also two radio edit versions of each tagged onto the end of the album. All four versions are to be admired, particularly in the way they instantly lodge in one’s memory bank. This album is about living the American dream, whilst also railing against some of the things his country has done recently. ‘Anthem’ pledges allegiance to America, whilst comparing their political decisions to a game of chess and ‘Peace’ with it’s simple piano opening, could either refer to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars or the Cold War and suggests that politicians and war mongers always point the finger of blame at someone else. Which, as we all know, is true. ‘Sleight of Heart’ has a world music vibe to it, ala Peter Gabriel, with some beautiful lyrics from Kate Farrell, and ‘God Bless You and Your Man’ introduces a reggae feel. Another strong, but continuing the mellow themes, track, ‘The Name Of This Song Is A Secret’ closes the album proper.
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