The homespun 60s-ish cover of “Swallowing the Sun” promises folk-rock and gentle melodies, and Steve Robinson, an English folkie who has spent two decades in a US band (The Headlights) and touring with Roger McGuinn, delivers on those promises. On his aptly named Sunshine Drenchy Records, he delivers eleven ear worms of folk-rock or folk-pop , all of them instant lockdown companions. Dave Gregory, one of my heroes from XTC, adds stunning guitar on two songs, especially impressive on “Needle in the Red,” a lustrous song of despair. So many blessed associations whizzed around my sonic mind as I basked in this stellar album—Wesley Stace, late-season Jayhawks, Elliott Smith, even the Microphones—all of them smart yet eschewing fat production. Highlights include the deliriously joyful “Dizzy Love Song,” sun drenched indeed; the Beatleesque “Mr Empty Head”; and “Milk and a Dash,” straight out of my 1960s and with a memorable chorus of “memories make us, then they take us down.” Swallowing the Sun seems certain to register in my top albums of 2021.
Andres,
thanks so much for the listen and the kind words; it really means a lot. Happy you liked “Dizzy Love Song”; wasn’t sure about it and almost left it off. What do I know?
All the best mate,
Steve R.
Steve Robinson never disappoints. He was always one of my favorite Florida musicians. I have seen him live many, many times. He is such a gifted songwriter. I remember once, he did a song about a Manatee, which was quite frankly- chilling.
I can’t wait for the new album!