I often wonder why people don't write happy songs, especially in this part of the world. Perhaps it is the singer songwriter way to wallow in self pity or perhaps it is that happy songs are too hard to write. Then you hear a song like this from the Kays Lavelle and you know why people write sad songs. You also know why so many fail at it.
"The Hours" is far from a failure however. From the delicate piano that gives way to the pounding drums providing the heartbeat of this song, you soon figure out that this isn't self directed angst. No, this is emotional drama. Singer Euan McMeekan wears his heart on his sleeve but in a manly way. He's not going to go crying to his mummy rather he's going to take it on the chin. His voice exudes melancholy and with subtle harmonies and strings to support him, the song builds to the kind of audio crescendo that Phil Spector would approve of before making a most relaxed departure from the room.
"The Hours" has an elegance sadly lacking in so much of the music that passes through the doors at Bluesbunny Towers these days. At over six minutes long, it's a little symphony for the ears.
Available for free download from Wiseblood Industries.