331) Robert Forster - I Had A New York Girlfriend

Nine albums with a well-respected group and nine solo albums plus being able to turn your hand to the odd bit of writing, it’s fair to say that Robert Forster is a talented man.

However, has his talent ever been fully appreciated, I would argue no as The Go-Betweens never got the sales they truly deserved and although his solo records often receive praise in the press, again, the sales never match. Plus, we cannot forget he lost his musical partner Grant McLennan back in 2006 just as their band had re-established themselves and the future was looking rosy.

Forster has written many a fine song but for this review we are travelling back to 1994 when he released a covers album. Of the twelve tracks I only know three of the originals. Martha & the Muffins Echo Beach is always one of those songs that when I hear I love and Forster’s version with added violin from Bad Seed Warren Ellis is suitably different but retains the joy of the original.

Heart’s Alone I wasn’t a fan of as a sixteen year old back in 1987 as I was not a fan of big hair music but over a simple piano Forster owns this, (I listened to the original again, its ok, I’m mellowing) but give me Robert’s version any day.

Grant Hart built his reputation with Husker Du and Forster tackles 2541 from his solo debut and it’s a joy from start to finish, more upbeat than Hart’s version (which is well worth your time if never heard), more lived in by Forster.

Neil Diamond wrote Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow for The Monkees and just listen to the instrumental breaks throughout the song, The Monkees are always a pleasure and so is this.

That’s me I don’t know the rest, but Robert tackles songs by Guy Clark, Dylan, and Keith Richards amongst others. There is a country and western feel to Clark’s Broken-Hearted People, and the slide guitar and piano makes Dylan’s Tell Me That It Ain’t True. Richards Locked Away and Ellis violin reappears, and the backing vocals raise the chorus.

Robert Forster has proved himself repeatedly with The Go Betweens and as a solo artist so its no shock that he can interpret other people’s songs so thoughtfully and masterfully.

Well worth your time.

8/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: 2541