Jack Cheshire - Long Mind Hotel
by Lisa Torem
published: 17 / 9 / 2013
Label:
Gun 20 Records
Format: CD
intro
Enthralling second album from Bath-born singer-songwriter Jack Cheshire, who draws comparisons with both Donovan and Nick Drake
After recording debut 'Allow It to Come On' in a squishy attic, Bath-born Jack Cheshire, now living in London, is back with 'Long Mind Hotel'. Cheshire is, when at his best, a cross between Donovan and Nick Drake. There is a relaxing contagious vibe to his ballads; the guitar work, while sometimes frenetic (as in 'Void'), is generally soothing and accents the vocals extremely well. His voice weaves freely around the melodies. 'Long Mind Hotel' gives us a break from our crazy lives; instead we enter his introspective domain. 'Gyroscope' is a clever opener: "Shake hands, roll the dice," - it offers bittersweet and practical advice for the most world weary. 'Heavenly Bodies' is more of a lullaby, whilst 'Into the Void', aside from its ferocious intro, chronicles a faraway dreamy existence. The title song, 'Long Mind Hotel' is also subdued, whilst 'Postcard from Sedation' definitely finds a way to "deepen the nerve endings." Some of his most clever rhyme schemes show up here. 'Revolving Doors' is another slice-of-life. "Spend the day at the old arcade..." He gets more enraged however -- "Red is the color of avarice/ hidden between all the lies." Ironically, his voice never rises in anger, which makes the content even more controlled and more convincing. The closer, 'Moving in a Straight Line' is charmingly romantic, without really coming out and saying so. Cheshire's wit and natural style of communicating is top notch.
Track Listing:-
1 Gyroscope2 Heavenly Bodies
3 Into the Void
4 Daily Races
5 Long Mind Hotel
6 Postcard from Sedation
7 Revolving Doors
8 Kerosene
9 We Play Again
10 Moving in a Straight Line
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/cheshirejack/http://jackcheshire.bandcamp.com/
http://jackcheshire.com/
https://twitter.com/CheshireJack
soundcloud
reviews |
Copenhagen (2011) |
Genuinely impressive and imaginative second album from London-based singer-songwriter, Jack Cheshire |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Beat Featuring Ranking Jnr - Sala Jerusalem, Valencia, 18/2/2024
X Ray Spex - Interview
London Afrobeat Collective - 16 Toneladas, Valencia, 21/2/2024
Dead Poet Society - Photoscapes
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Photoscapes
Happy Mondays - Photoscapes
Paloma Faith - Photoscapes 2
Stiff Little Fingers - Photoscapes
Paloma Faith - Photoscapes 1
most viewed reviews
current edition
Black Crowes - Happiness BastardsKaiser Chiefs - Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album
Texas and Spooner Oldham - The Muscle Shoals Sessions
Caity Baser - Still Learning
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Libertines - All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade
Sheryl Crow - Evolution
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for Bread
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart