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The Vinyl
Skyway: Self-Titled
Another fine pop album out of Q Division Studios (after Loveless Gift to the World), The Vinyl Skyways eponymous debut is an affecting country-tinged affair, not to be regarded for its potential hits, though there are a few standout songs in that regard, but for its blissful second half, which might not contain the albums best songs, but as a whole is sublime. Too Long ushers in the latter part of the record (lovely outro by the way), where the emphasis is placed on mood rather than hook. It all becomes one big float downstream, and if you pay attention to how the words sound instead of which ones are being said, then before you know it you might be laying back realizing why you like to listen to music in the first place (because it can do this). Yes, the best of all types of music can do that, but theres something about good country rock/alt-country/whatever that makes it more readily induced. But the first half is not to be dismissed. After all, Shine may have the harmony of the year, and the ones on That Girl and Rich Blood might be a close second. Sure, its an overstatement, but boy do they melt the heart, and in the moment theres a lot youll say. Its just that one wishes Michael Hayes was the wordsmith Elvis Costello is (not that he was purporting himself to be he doesnt even sing the same kind of songs, but he does reference him on no less than two outings). Hayes is certainly a capable singer, and his voice is commanding, but he hasnt the lyrical know-how to match. Theres nothing offensive here nor terribly engaging. It just feels like a lot of function is all. Hes definitely talking about something, but it probably makes more sense to him (his words just arent very intriguing and/or entertaining). Luckily the songs are mighty fine.
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