Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Could've Been Good by Alan Murphy


Could've Been Good cover art

Artist: Alan Murphy
Title: Could've Been Good
Catalogue Number: Indie Records
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2009



Another album thuds through the mailbox at Bluesbunny Towers. This time it is a self released one from Glasgow musician Alan Murphy, who has been peddling his wares for many a year in this no mean city.

It's pretty clear from his song writing that he is a big John Martyn fan and there is also plenty of evidence of a lo-fi ethos in his approach to this album. Drum machines are used to generate near hypnotic rhythm patterns whilst Mr Murphy layers on the guitar and intense yet laidback vocals. It's not really the blues - whether country or British - though you can determine such influences on tracks like "Fancy That".

All in all, this is an honest album, if one that takes few chances, and Alan Murphy is clearly a committed performer. However, it is let down by the distinctly poor, verging on painful, sound quality that is at odds with when it would be best appreciated i.e. late at night when you are in need of something mellow.

 


www.easyblu.es
Reviewer:
Review Date: August 29 2009