Idol Time-The compilation Review by
Dav Franklin
Andrew Clendenen is an artist who knows how to strike a balance between genres, an expert at finding those sonic sweet spots where the best of both worlds can be found. Creative liminal spaces. Regions of the sonic map where lines of demarcation are blurred. I'm not talking about compromise here, this is not music made to please all (all though, ironically, the results generally do please all). rather it is the sound of an artist who can evaluate a genre and extract the good stuff without being weighed down by its baggage. And without just one genre but many.
As the name of his latest album suggests, this is a collection of songs from the last few years, some of which are found on 2020's Cowboydelic,
others are stand-alone singles or are featured on EPs, and others are getting their first public airing.
It seems pertinent to start with "The Couple," his new single and a perfect example of this sweet spot sound that I mentioned, woven from only the finest sonic threads garnered from folk and rock, pop and indie. Not only is it one of those songs that already sounds as if you had been listening to it for a long time, the very definition of a classic, anything that sounds as if it might be found on an early Squeeze or Elvis Costello album, speaks volumes.
"Vein of Blue" is folky and buoyant, lush, with chiming guitars acting as the perfect platform of Andrew's reflective narratives, "Winnona's Wedding blends relaxed country grooves with bigger, rock moves, a superb play-off between dynamic highs and more restrained lows, and no small amount of '60s pop echoes. "Never Be Alone" is a gorgeous piece of soul, and a song that reminds you of just how broad and bountiful Andrew's sonic realm is.
And of course, here we also find the gorgeous "The Women of My Life." a cinematic affair which began as a tribute to his mother and ended up as a wider celebration of all the women who have, and indeed still do, shape his life.
If Andrew Clendenen isn't already on your radar (and if not, why not?), then Idol Time is the perfect place to start, If you are already familiar with his music, then this album will act as a handy sonic gathering of all of his finest moments.
Dav Franklin
Andrew Clendenen is an artist who knows how to strike a balance between genres, an expert at finding those sonic sweet spots where the best of both worlds can be found. Creative liminal spaces. Regions of the sonic map where lines of demarcation are blurred. I'm not talking about compromise here, this is not music made to please all (all though, ironically, the results generally do please all). rather it is the sound of an artist who can evaluate a genre and extract the good stuff without being weighed down by its baggage. And without just one genre but many.
As the name of his latest album suggests, this is a collection of songs from the last few years, some of which are found on 2020's Cowboydelic,
others are stand-alone singles or are featured on EPs, and others are getting their first public airing.
It seems pertinent to start with "The Couple," his new single and a perfect example of this sweet spot sound that I mentioned, woven from only the finest sonic threads garnered from folk and rock, pop and indie. Not only is it one of those songs that already sounds as if you had been listening to it for a long time, the very definition of a classic, anything that sounds as if it might be found on an early Squeeze or Elvis Costello album, speaks volumes.
"Vein of Blue" is folky and buoyant, lush, with chiming guitars acting as the perfect platform of Andrew's reflective narratives, "Winnona's Wedding blends relaxed country grooves with bigger, rock moves, a superb play-off between dynamic highs and more restrained lows, and no small amount of '60s pop echoes. "Never Be Alone" is a gorgeous piece of soul, and a song that reminds you of just how broad and bountiful Andrew's sonic realm is.
And of course, here we also find the gorgeous "The Women of My Life." a cinematic affair which began as a tribute to his mother and ended up as a wider celebration of all the women who have, and indeed still do, shape his life.
If Andrew Clendenen isn't already on your radar (and if not, why not?), then Idol Time is the perfect place to start, If you are already familiar with his music, then this album will act as a handy sonic gathering of all of his finest moments.
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