Criminally Under-appreciated
Pastor of Disaster | Wexford, Ireland | 01/10/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"..is the watchword of the Mutton Birds, I followed them around the UK for years watching them play flawlessly crafted pop to an audience of 10 and a dog, shared the flustration of Stephen Hedges, their manager at the unfairness of it, these guys should have been stars. Yes, they are compared to Crowded House, not unfairly, in fact I might humbly suggest that the MB`s are stronger song for song than even the mighty House! What do you get for you 10 bucks? A collections of wonderfully crafted songs, redolent of homesickness, love and longing, small town grudges, and big city loves. Its an album that commands you to really listen to it, from start to finish. For me, the title track is a masterpiece, listen to it driving in the rain late at night."
Another strong effort form Don McGlashan
Peter Hoogenboom | New Zealand | 06/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Envy of Angels" is another work from the great New Zealand singer/songwriter Don McGlashan.
In the eighties he was in "Blam, Blam, Blam" and "The Front Lawn".
In the nineties McGlashan formed "The Muttonbirds" and they released their first self-titled album in 1992 (***1/2). Three others followed during the nineties:
"Salty", 1994, (****1/2)
"Envy of Angels", 1997 (***1/2)
"Rain, Steam, and Speed", 1999 (***1/2)
He released his first solo album "Warm Hand" (****) in 2006.
McGlashan is an intelligent artist with a knack for writing memorable melodies. Sometimes his songs can sound a bit "samey" but at his best he is well worth listening too - witness "Toy Factory Fire" from Warm Hand, which combines a strong message about globalisation with a memorable hook.
Trivia: McGlashan learnt the euphonium as a child and uses it to good effect in some of his songs.
Much-loved in New Zealand by discerning people, the world is yet to truly discover this great New Zealand artist.
"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1