Mark Stoney - Sheffield's best kept secret - is revealed!!
I know I am not going to do this album justice, anywhere near, but here goes..........
At last, the long awaited Stoney album. But oh so well worth the wait. An album full of singles, each one beautifully crafted but never contrived. Stoney displays a phenomenal talent, his songs not constrained by fads or fashions and will surely stand the test of time. His use of, and ability to paint in lyrics is astounding. This coupled with the most powerfully beautiful voice, makes him one of the most unusual and diverse artists around today.
This album takes you on a rollercoaster journey of emotions, showing the diversity of his song writing from the fiercely upbeat Hold the Stars & Nows A Good time, the anthemic ballsy-rocking Jake, thru the dark and sinister, sleazy Soap in a Bathtub, on to the abject isolation of One of You, the poignant Best Laid Plans, to the beautiful and heartbreaking Ghost, finally coming to rest with the gut-wrenching and shattering Underdog.
I defy anyone to choose just one favourite track from this album. From the moment Jailbird hits your ears you just know you are in for an exciting ride. Still with the journey theme, but of a "snapshot "in time, the album transports you along holding you securely as events unfold, the syncopated rhythm of Until You Leave, the deliciously tongue-twisting lyrics of Morning After, the defiant outpouring 70s feel of Bring Your Cup, and when you arrive emotionally drained at the end - you reach for the repeat button for the next Stoney fix.
I cant recommend this album highly enough. Mark Stoney has produced here an absolute gem with a sound that is quirky, eclectic, and unique - distinctly Stoney. A masterpiece! Songwriting at its finest......... Simply Stunning!.
I love this album from begining to end - it is by far my favourite album ever. Do I have a favourite track? No, not one ...... but from the very first listening to Stoney back in early 2005 I fell in love with Best Laid Plans and then the new version of Underdog and they remain carved in my heart. Ghost - well ghost ...so special- this tune lives in my soul.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=160111206&s=143444
The Scene & The Unseen - Stoney1 - Jailbird (4:32)
2 - Soap In a Bathtub (4:27)
3 - Until You Leave (2:35)
4 - Best Laid Plans (3:37)
5 - Holds the Stars (3:38)
6 - Morning After (3:22)
7 - Ghost (3:58)
8 - Bring Your Cup (3:15)
9 - Jake (4:23)
10 - Now's a Good Time (5:04)
11 - One of You (4:31)
12 - Underdog (6:01)
Check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoney_(musician)
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