What’s Another Year?
It may seem a little early to start counting down my records of the year, but if I’m going to give each of them a post by the end of 2011, there’s only 8 weeks left. I’ll leave off ranking them till nearer the traditional time for doing such things… but I’m telling you now, the latest album from Frank Turner is a firm contender for my favourite record this year.
Not Everyone Can Be… Freddie Mercury
There’s not a bad track on this album, from the rousing call to arms of ‘I Still Believe’ to the strident a capella folk legend of ‘An English Curse’ to the exuberant hymn to atheism / Ode to Richard Dawkins ‘Glory Hallelujah’. Imagine Dr. Frankenstein built a monster out of select offcuts from Billy Bragg, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Strummer, Woody Guthrie and Ian McNabb… with, yes, maybe a dash of Freddie Mercury… and you’re getting somewhere close. Frank Turner is the real deal. He’s the artist I’ve been waiting for and no more is that the case than on the defiant mission statement of this album’s opening track, ‘Eulogy’.
Don’t Give Up
It’s just over 90 seconds in length (and the first 40 seconds is brass intro) yet it packs in more passion, self-belief, drama, power chords, rebellion and ROCK ‘N’ ROLL than many artists manage in their entire career. It’s also one of those rare records that makes me think: y’know what? I won’t just throw in the towel after all. If Frank Turner can do it… maybe I can to. As the aforementioned Mr. McNabb put it, You Must Be Prepared To Dream.
If You Buy This Record Your Life Will Be Better
