This was released in 2004 - and completely slipped under my radar, despite being absolutely fantastic. I was browsing an HMV recently, and saw the cover - with snippets of reviews from Elbow, Athlete and Snow Patrol, as those are bands I like, I guess I picked it up on the strength of those. Its a mellow affair, almost folky in some parts - and full of melancholic, well contsructed songs. In some parts I can hear early Springsteen and even Hothouse Flowers - in other places its in a world of its own…dark and brooding with lovely vocals throughout. Its a superb album - and highly recommended. To add to the great news, I managed to get tickets to see Stephen Fretwell at Kings College in September…its sold out, but I’ll be there to report!
Stephen Fretwell - Magpie
August 25th, 2005 · 1 Comment
Tags: music
1 response so far ↓
1 Stephen Fretwell Live - London at mattrutherford.com // Sep 28, 2005 at 12:02
[...] I’ve been looking forward to this gig for a while now - after picking up his album on impulse about a month ago (review here). Its the first time I’ve been to Kings College Students Union in London, and after the initial shock of having to take a lift 4 floor UP to the club like venue, I soon recovered with Extra Cold beer and a Chicken Burger. Support acts were Liam Frost (bloody excellent) and Hush (from Denmark - a duo, who were a little bit eighties, a little bit harsh on the ears - but may sound much better on CD - I’ll check and get back to you). Stephen Fretwell came on at 10.00, with just a guitar - and after a couple of songs was joined by a 3 piece band - keyboards, drums and bass (who was the coolest bassist I’d ever seen - sat down, beer on the go). Cracking version of Bad Bad You - and some new tracks which were really good…came back for an encore of Emily and New York, in an acoustic, man with a guitar style. Excellent gig, from a guy full of style and humilty - superb. I’m gonna book up for Shepherds Bush Empire in January. [...]
Leave a Comment