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Review: Jack Foley
WHEN Jeff Buckley, sadly, passed away, thoughts began to turn
to what might become of some of his collaborators - most notably,
Michael Tighe, who collaborated with him on such seminal works
as So Real, Vancouver and Moodswing Whiskey.
Tighe, however, determined not to fade into the sunset, and launched
Black Beetle, with fellow Buckley collaborator, Parker Kindred
and Tighe's musician girlfriend, Joan Wasser.
But while that band was shortlived (as Wasser had her heart set
on a solo career), Tighe battled on, eventually forming The A.M.
- once more with Kindred, as well as musical powerhouse, Andrew
Wyatt, on bass and keyboards.
The resulting album may have been borne out of New York, but
many of its roots lie in the UK, with influences coming in the
form of Bowie, Roxy Music, T-Rex and Suede.
Little wonder, then, that the debut album has been released on
cult Manchester independent record label, Storm Music, who even
helped the New Yorkers complete two successful UK tours earlier
this year.
But the positive vibe surrounding them is perfectly justified.
The eponymous album is a strong affair, and allows Tighe's guitar
work to shine.
From the opening riff of Changeling, to the punchy Isolation,
the album is jam-packed with some great hooks, and some neat keyboards,
which hark back to the Seventies in style.
And while Tighe's vocals might not always seem up to the task,
there are times when his style evokes straightforward comparisons
with the likes of Bowie (as in Utopia), or early Suede
(Transgression).
The songwriting is also strong, and a joint affair (with both
Kindred and Wyatt contributing at certain points), taking listeners
on some quite wonderful journeys.
It's the guitar work that leaves the biggest impression, and
fans of genuinely great rock albums ought to find plenty to admire
here.
As a debut effort, The A.M. look to have delivered the prelude
to a beautiful career. They are well worth checking out.
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Track listing:
1. What Ever Happened?
2. Reptilia
3. Automatic Stop
4. 12:51
5. You Talk Way Too Much
6. Between Love & Hate
7. Meet Me in the Bathroom
8. Under Control
9. The End Has No End
10. The Way it is
11. I Can't Win
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