Chip Opens Up

Unglorious Hallelujah / Red Red Rose
Chip Taylor
Train Wreck Records

This new double album shows Chip Taylor in fine songwriting form and showcases his refreshingly individual take on the world. The comparison game is always risky but think Guy Clark with a John Prine edge, a dash of Kristofferson and … something else. We find Chip in a rather randy mood too, a series of playfully sexy numbers culminating (ahem) in the almost orgasmic "Little Darts." What, it's just me? I don't think so. I confess, Chip has a very hot voice. Apart from the fact all these songs are on the second album I can't discern any other common themes that define the two. As I noted earlier Taylor wrote that 60s zeitgeist number "Wild Thing" and he hasn't lost his pop sensibility of making a lot out of a little. A man not afraid to Bippity Bop or lalalala when the occasion demands and a sense of melody is consistently strong. The pace of songs varies from confidentially whispered entreaties of lurve, slowburn confessionals and upbeat, sardonic top tappers. My favourite is "The Trouble With Scientists" although I have no real idea what it means. He's a thinker, that Chip. You can check out another such example in the video for "I Don't Believe in That", available on YouTube. Train Wreck has been very industrious about putting material up there, and there is a fair bit of extra material like podcasts on the Chip Taylor/Carrie Rodriguez website too. Why more companies, especially the smaller ones, don't grab these cyber opportunities more gratefully I don't know. Big tick for Train Wreck. They'll put reviewers out of business though, if you unwashed can just try for yourself.

In addition to the warm acoustic folk/country sounds, I'm pleased to report a happy measure of other influences. The subtle country-soul production of "If I Stop Loving You" stands out here, and the song itself appears to reveal all on first listening until you realise you don't understand the scenario presented at all (she leaving him? He her? Or are they all happy?) And you have to go back and listen again.

My only slightly negative impression was that some of the songs meander a bit and allow the mind to wander. I lost track of "Michael's Song" a few times and a few numbers lack an extra spark which would lift them into the next level. When I finally stayed the whole way, it broke my heart. In this case the tone jumps from the singalong ditties to narratives which demand more attention, but in these digital days it's easy enough to tailor the playlist to the prevailing vibe.

Double albums can be a double edged sword – lots of material but the power of the best songs can be dissipated among the crowd. Still, if a man has gotta sing I say, let him sing.