Palmer-James, Richard: Takeaway

Best known as an original founder member of Supertramp (under the shorter name Richard Palmer) and one of the core lyric writers of Red era King Crimson, Richard Palmer-James has finally decided to put together his first solo album, Takeaway. With those credentials, it's maybe not too surprising that the main eye-catching element he provides here are quirky, clever lyrics which shine a light on many (big and small) modern day world issues. Handling all the guitars and vocals on the album, this mainly acoustic outing finds RPJ in singer-songwriter territory, recounting tales and turning his attention to a variety of subjects. It's gentle fare and yet with the telling lyrics, it's also in places cutting, and it certainly draws you in.

Vocally Palmer-James has the intonation of John Wetton and playful nature of Gerry Rafferty, proving a likeable, if hardly vital, vocal presence, although the storytelling nature his brings is perfect for the songs he's created. The main issue however is that while everything here proves interesting, catchy and enjoyable, as a collection of thirteen songs, there's a strong similarity between much of what you experience. Whether through "Honest Jim", a heartfelt political statement that neither takes sides nor pretends to have the answers, "Guano Blues", which is a tale of lost love, or "Chances Passing", where opportunities missed are lamented, the gentle sway, while expertly crafted, can become just a little too easy on the ear.

The deeper blues and shuffle of "A Very Bad Girl" provides a little more upbeat bustling, while "Doing Time" adds a more dancing folk vibe. Both proving that when Takeaway becomes a little more lively, it's a thoroughly engaging trip. Taking everything into account, it's hard to dislike Takeaway, or indeed Richard Palmer-James' pleasingly sideways take on life. If you're looking for an album to invigorate the mind as it soothes the ears, this may be it.

Track Listing
1. AERODROME
2. A VERY BAD GIRL
3. BAKER'S DOZEN
4. CHANCES PASSING
5. DANCE FOR ME
6. HALFREMEMBERED SUMMER
7. HONEST JIM
8. HIGHWAY CODE
9. DOING TIME
10. GUANO BLUES
11. SAVING YOU FROM DROWNING
12. SO WE MEET AGAIN
13. TAKEAWAY

Added: March 31st 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Takeaway at Cherry Red Records
Hits: 1287
Language: english

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