278) Edwyn Collins - Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation

A remarkable life and career for Edwyn. First up indie credibility with his band Orange Juice on Postcard, then the big hit with Rip it Up before diminishing returns and the inevitable split. Edwyn seemed destined for a respectable and admired solo career but was unlikely to trouble the charts. Then he did this song called A Girl Like You, you may have heard of it, it's what they call in the business, I believe a smash.

Songs in Austin Powers movies, credible sales and reviews then in 2005 he suffered a cerebral haemorrhage. Collins has fought back and has released several albums, I would say he is a national treasure, I would hope he would agree.

His tenth solo album Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation is another impressive record in a career of many.

Knowledge, we have a bit of a country guitar twang before that distinctive vocal arrives and a glorious chorus as the backing singers support beautifully “Knowledge is a friend of mine, still it’s hard to pin it down,” wonderful.

Paper Planes could have been from one of the records my late father listened to in the 70’s and The Heart is a Foolish Little Thing will make your heart sing with joy from start to end.

Strange Old World where Cramps like guitar and saxophone meet in perfect harmony and the title track his vocal dominates and a bit of flute and song enhancing backing vocals cannot fail to make you warm to The Bridge Hotel.

The Mountains Are My Home, A Little Sign and It Must Be Real think of what happened to this man back in 2005 and marvel at the voice and the quality of the songwriting and when the piano comes in halfway through It Must Be Real just let it wash over you.

The album closes on Rhythm Is My Own World a bit of laid back bossa nova, drawing a close on a truly rewarding album.

 Let’s end this review by returning to track seven as Edwyn sings “but I’m ok, sound as a pound.”  Trust me Edwyn you are more than okay.

8.5/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: The Heart is a Foolish Little Thing