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Of all English speaking peoples, even if the language wasn't of their
choosing, the Irish have best perfected the art of melancholy and Clarke's
work can, I think, be seen as a postmodern expression of the mournful
dirges with which generations of exiles lamented their lost patrimony.
His songs are far more complex and intelligent than the 'take me back
to the lakes of Killarney and that redheaded colleen I loved' tradition,
but there's an essential continuity. ... a lineup that keeps the title
from being merely ironic and provides gorgeous atmospheric to Clarke's
restrained intensity, (Jesse) Taylor yet again demonstrating his telepathic
rapport with singer-songwriters. ... Johnny Cash's 'I Still Miss Someone'
and 'Bye Bye Blackbird' ... can be taken as general indicators
of the general mood, which hits that Irish spot of being sad but not depressing.
... Clarke is regarded as an honorary West Texan .. 3rd
Coast Music, Texas
The Clarke originals prove that he remains one of our finest and most
diversely influenced composers. His Irish (influenced) canon advances
still further with 'Did He Sing Danny Boy' and the stunning, pseudo-traditional
'By The Light Of The Plough'. 'Gardenia Blues' is a slow
soulful number underscored by languid guitar lines, while (Lisa) Mednick's
support vocal is well to the fore on 'Crow Blues'. Should you wish
to envelop yourself in a dreamy laid back jazzy ether, then for over five
minutes. 'Mr Lucky' will fulfill your wildest fantasies. Pickin'
clover or pickin' strings, life can most surely be 'Lucky'
Kerrville Kronikle
... features a sort of Willie Nelson/'Stardust' arrangement of the Johnny
Cash classic 'I Still Miss Someone'
Country Music International
... very Hoagy Carmichael/Walter Hyatt!
Flying Shoes
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